Kaiser Library, Kathmandu

The Kaiser Library, situated in the historical Keshar Mahal Palace complex in Kathmandu, is a notable government-operated public library. It was founded in 1907 by Chandra Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana, the then Prime Minister of Nepal, specifically for his son Kaiser Shumsher Rana. Originally established to house Kaiser's private collection, the library was a symbol of his scholarly interests, influenced by his father's visit to England in 1963 BS.

The library is renowned for its extensive collection of over 50,000 books, including some extraordinarily rare and ancient texts. Notable among these are ancient books on Buddhism, Tantrism, and astrology, some of which are written on palm-leaf manuscripts. A highlight of the collection is a 1,100-year-old copy of the Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text on medicine that is listed in UNESCO’s international Memory of the World Register. This manuscript has garnered international attention and is currently the focus of a research project.

In addition to books, the library houses a variety of paintings, antique artifacts, animal trophies, and photographs, reflecting Kaiser Shumsher’s diverse interests in art and culture. Originally, access to the library was restricted to family members and eminent personalities; however, after Kaiser's death, the collection was bequeathed to the Nepal government in 2026 BS by his wife, who donated half of the books.

The Kaiser Library was opened to the public on September 11, 1969. Today, it operates from Sunday through Friday, closing on Saturdays and government holidays. As a treasure trove of historical and cultural artifacts, the library serves as a vital resource for researchers, historians, and the general public interested in the rich heritage of Nepal.