Kaiser Library

Kaiser Library (Nepal)

Kaiser Library (Nepali: केसर पुस्तकालय), also known as Keshar Library, is a historic public library in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is located in the Kaiser Mahal (Keshar Mahal) palace complex, and is operated by the Ministry of Education. KLIB +2 Edusanjal +2

History

The library was originally founded in 1907 by Chandra Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana, the then Prime Minister of Nepal, for his son Kaiser (Keshar) Shumsher Rana. Wikipedia +2 KLIB +2

Kaiser Shumsher, having been impressed by British libraries during a visit to England in 1908, amassed a large personal collection. KLIB +2 Neo Post +2

During his lifetime, the library was largely private — accessible only to his family, distinguished Nepalese scholars, and selected foreign visitors. KLIB +1

After Kaiser's death, his wife and sons formally donated the library (including its building and grounds) to the Government of Nepal on 11 September 1968. AAI Hamburg +2 KLIB +2

It was opened to the public in 1969. GPSmyCity +2 Neo Post +2

Collections

The library has a large and varied collection: around 60,000 books, documents, periodicals, and manuscripts. Nepal Minute +2 KLIB +2

Its “Kaiser Collection” (original core) includes some 28,000 volumes, covering topics like philosophy, religion, astronomy, social and military science, gardening, medicine, literature, history, and biography. Neo Post +2 Edusanjal +2

The majority (about 95%) of these books are in English, with the rest in Sanskrit, Hindi, and Nepali. KLIB +1

In addition to books, the library houses paintings, photographs, sculptures, antique maps, press cuttings, and even animal trophies, reflecting Kaiser Shumsher’s interests. KLIB

There is a manuscript collection that includes very rare items, such as a palm-leaf manuscript of the Sushruta Samhita, a classical Sanskrit medical text. Wikipedia +1

The library also has a “New Collection” (started around 1970) for more modern books, including English, Nepali, and children’s literature. Edusanjal

They subscribe to 43 periodicals / newspapers and receive donations and exchanges from other sources. Edusanjal

Architecture and Significance

The library is housed in Kaiser Mahal, a palace complex. KLIB +1

Historically, it functioned not just as a library but more like a museum, given its diverse collections (artwork, trophies, etc.). Neo Post

Several notable figures have used the library, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Perceval Landon, and Sylvain Lévi. Wikipedia

Challenges and Conservation

The 2015 Nepal earthquake damaged Kaiser Library. Reports indicate about 9,000 books were affected. Wikipedia +1

There have been concerns more recently about book decay: high humidity and dampness are causing damage to old books, and staff have resorted to drying wet documents in the sun. Nepal Minute

The annual reports of the library indicate efforts to preserve and conserve its rare and historic materials. National Diet Library

Access and Public Use

The library is open to the public (Sunday to Friday). Edusanjal +1

According to its own website, it offers different reading and collection areas: Kaiser Collection, Manuscripts, New Collection (English & Nepali), Children’s Corner, Periodicals, etc. KLIB

The library also aims to promote education and reading culture, providing library services, training, workshops, and networking with other libraries. Edusanjal

Cultural and Academic Importance

Kaiser Library is considered one of Nepal’s most important historical and archaeological libraries due to its rare manuscripts, old books, and artifacts. Nepal Minute

It houses Sushruta Samhita, a manuscript of major medical-historical significance. UNESCO

Because of its rich, interdisciplinary collection, the library is a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and students in fields like religion, philosophy, medicine, and Nepali history.