Lalitpur Metropolitan City Reopens Historic Sharda Library

Key points

• Lalitpur Metropolitan City has reopened the historic Sharda Library in its office building after it remained closed since BS 2046.
• Cultural scholar Hariram Joshi inaugurated the facility, highlighting its historical legacy spanning over 800 years.
• Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan emphasized preserving reading culture, fulfilling encouragement from the late Satya Mohan Joshi.
• Key institutions including Tribhuvan University Central Library, Nepal National Library, and Madan Pustakalaya provided support for the restoration.

Details

Lalitpur Metropolitan City has formally brought the historic Sharda Library back into operation within its own office premises. The library originally functioned from the former Lalitpur Nagar Panchayat building located in Mangalbazar, but operations were halted following the BS 2046 People's Movement. Sanskriti Shiromani and cultural expert Hariram Joshi officially inaugurated the reopened facility, praising the local government for pulling the centuries-old institution out of obscurity.

During the event, Hariram Joshi noted that the library carries a rich heritage of more than eight centuries, making its revival a major step toward promoting learning and research. Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan mentioned that establishing accessible city libraries remains a key priority for preserving reading habits among the public. He recalled that centenarian cultural scholar Satya Mohan Joshi had frequently advised him to restore the library and pass its legacy down to younger generations.

The restoration process received backing from multiple educational and literary bodies. Mayor Maharjan expressed gratitude to Anurag Joshi and writer Mir Subba Narayan Prasad Shrestha for donating books, while also acknowledging assistance from Tribhuvan University Central Library chief Sagar Raj Subedi, the Nepal National Library, and Madan Pustakalaya. Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya Bajracharya added that promoting such libraries is critical for strengthening foundational research skills across the community.

What this means for students

Students living in or around Lalitpur can now access a valuable academic resource and quiet study space near Mangalbazar. While taking advantage of community reading centers, university students can also check out our NoteTok, 30-second concept shorts for quick study breaks or use our guide on how to use TU past questions the right way to plan their exam preparation effectively.