Kathmandu, June 29:

Director-general of the Department of Prison Management (DOM), Sthaneshwor Devkota, inaugurated a library at the Dillibazaar Sadar Khor (prison) today.

The Rural Education and Development (READ) Nepal and Pidit Sewa Sangh Nepal have established the library at the detention centre to help inmates make good use of their time.

The library has about 500 books, which cover diverse topics, including English and Nepali literature and autobiographies.

Inaugurating the library, Devkota said: “This initiative is noteworthy and really fruitful for the inmates.” Terming the establishment of the library a beginning, he said the library should be expanded in line with the demand of the prisoners.

Currently, there are 321 inmates in the prison. Speaking at the function, George Gurung, one of the inmates, expressed gratitude to all the parties who helped establish the library.

“We used to pass our leisure time playing and chatting. Now on, we will make proper utilisation of time. The library will help us broaden our mental horizon.” He asked authorities to provide computers for the inmates.

Sharad Babu Shrestha, country director of the READ, said the organisation will continue to provide help for the expansion of the library.