Kaiser Library
The Kaiser Library, also known as the Keshar Library, is located in Kathmandu's Kaiser Mahal and has over 45,000 books from Field Marshal Kaiser Shumsher Rana's personal collection. It was founded in 1969 and includes a vast selection of publications on themes such as history, law, art, religion, philosophy, and so on. It was a popular tourist destination, but after an earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, the library was severely damaged. Although the bottom floor has been renovated and accessible to the public, much of the beauty of the building has been lost. Visitors can still go to see the collection of rescued and repaired books and artifacts.
The Kaiser Library used to have beautiful hardwood furniture and antique furnishings, as well as mirrors, portraits, statues, taxidermied animals, and weaponry on exhibit. It has two levels with large windows that gave in plenty of light and air. The seating was carefully thought out, with dark wood tables and chairs, and all the volumes were neatly packed in wooden racks. Today, only the ground floor remains, with the salvaged collection placed haphazardly.
There is relatively limited place for readers to sit and read one of the works of literature, but visitors can borrow books from the library. Some of the retrieved books are rare, first editions, and over a thousand years old. Outside the library is an attractive garden with fountains, verandas, pavilions, a lotus pool, and birdhouses reminiscent of the Edwardian Gardens.
- Google Rating: 4.1/5
- Website: https://klib.gov.np/
- Phone: +977 1-4411318
- Opening Hours: Sun to Thu - 10:00 to 17:00, Fri - 10:00 to 15:00
- Address: P877+WR4, Kanti Path, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
