KATHMANDU, AUGUST 31

Marking the 18th National Library Day, Room to Read is set to inagurate 48 school libraries across three rural municipalities of Kapilvastu district. Of these, 33 libraries are already prepared and in the process of being operated, while an additional 15 are being established in collaboration with the local municipalities.

The initiative aligns with this year's national theme announced by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology - 'Our Library: Our Future' - emphasizing the role of libraries in promoting quality education and literacy in Nepal.

According to Room to Read, the newly opened libraries are designed to be child-friendly learning spaces, stocked with diverse and age-appropriate books to nurture reading habits and inspire lifelong learning. Thousands of children, particularly from low-income communities, are expected to benefit from the program.

'Libraries are more than just spaces to access books - they are foundations for curiosity, creativity, and opportunity,' said Pushkar Lal Shrestha, Country Director of Room to Read Nepal. 'By working closely with governments, schools, and communities, we ensure that every child has the chance to learn, read, and thrive.'

Since beginning operations in Nepal in 2000, Room to Read has established 4,959 school libraries in 31 districts, distributed over 14.8 million quality reading materials, trained teachers, and developed 418 Nepali-language children's book titles to promote literacy and learning across the country.