Calgary-Nepali Library Established

Nepali Library (Ved-Sangraha) has been established at the Office of Nepalese Community Society of Calgary (NCSC). The library was formally inaugurated in a special ceremony by Dr. Desh Subba, the then NCSC Advisor, and Lalita Singh of the United Calgary on 28 February, 2010.  The then President of NCSC Dr. Betman Singh Bhandari wished the library be properly managed and utilized at maximum. Ms. Shilu Ghimire, Coordinator of the library briefed about the library and expressed her gratitude to those who helped with moral support and donation of books for the library. The program was conducted by Mr. Rupendra Ghimire.  

The name of the library “Ved-Sangraha” has been borrowed from Sanskrit. The words “Veda” and Sangraha in Sanskrit respectively mean knowledge and collection. As the name depicts, this mini library is a collection of information related to Nepal, Nepalese culture and heritage. This can be considered as the first Calgary Nepali Library. 

Presently, the Library has about 200 books from various genres of Nepali language and literature. Along with four Vedas and their Nepali translation, the main attraction of the library is it contains two dozen books on children literature. 

Although, the preliminary selection was focused on popular Nepali literature and awarded books, it is expected to grow with a wide range of topics in future.  As an addendum, the Library also contains a small collection of Nepali movies in DVD. 

The Library looks forward to getting extended help from its interested readers and generous members, who can contribute their Nepali books from personal shelves to the Library for a broader use by the community members.

It is proposed that the Library is planning to charge two dollars for borrowing a limited number of books (A dollar per book). The funds generated from this book rental will go to the NCSC, the patron of the Library for further development. It is currently proposed that there will be a fine of $ 10 for losing a rented book. 

The Library in the near future is planning to organize some programs to encourage community children to read Nepali books; such as recognizing reader of the month award, most visited learner award etc.

On behalf of the NCSC and Dev Group International, the Library extends its sincere thanks to Radio Matribhumi for broadcasting the good words to the community and help share the message. Special thanks go to Mr. Tiger Yang of the University of Calgary for donating two brand new book shelves and offering his hand to set it up. Mr. Dinesh Lamsal  and Mr. Satish Neupane in Kathmandu, Nepal who bought books and sent them to Canada through courier are also thankful. Special thanks go to Bijaya Sharma in London, Dr. Desh Subba, Mr. Purna Thapa, Mr. Prakash Regmi, Mr. Amod Rimal and Mrs. Anita Adhikary for donating their books to the Library. 

This mini library initiated by Shilu and Rupendra is just a spark of good intention; it needs continuous help and support from the entire Nepali community to ignite the flame of knowledge. As Winston Churchill said, “if you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it”.