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Tribhuvan University Central Library - TUCL

By Ankush |

Introduction

Tribhuvan University Central Library (TUCL) is the biggest library in Nepal. It was started in 1959 with only a few hundred books. Now, it has more than 400,000+ resources like books, research papers, magazines, and audio books. The library is in Kirtipur, about 5 kilometers from Kathmandu. The main building was designed by a Swiss architect and built in 1967 with help from the Indian government. Later, a much bigger building was added as the number of books and visitors increased Serving approximately 5,000+ daily users. Many people have supported the library over the years. Today, it is the largest in Nepal in terms of space, books, staff, visitors, and services.

History

Tribhuvan University Central Library started in 1959 with only a few hundred books, including 1,200 gifts from USAID. In 1962, it joined with Lal Durbar's old library and became the university's main library. It was renamed TUCL in 1977. Over time, its collection grew to more than 400,000+ resources. After the 2015 earthquake damaged the building, a rebuilding was held on March 15, 2022, with help from India. Since 1964 it has shared United Nations documents, and since 2000 it has given ISBN numbers to books in Nepal.

Objective

The Tribhuvan University Central Library (TUCL) is Nepal's largest library, and its main goal is to support the academic and research needs of Tribhuvan University.

  1. Provide clam and peacefull learning environment.
  2. Encourage reading, and lifelong learning.
  3. Give students books and digital materials for study and research
  4. Help develop high standards for libraries.
  5. Preserve Nepal's intellectual heritage.
  6. Provide a wide range of resources (both traditional and digital) and a good environment for studying.

Services and Facilities

  • Membership: TUCL is mainly for TU students, teachers, and staff but also gives membership to the public and foreigners living in Nepal.
  • Book Lending: You can borrow books from the general collection.
  • Study Spaces: It has quiet reading rooms, some open 24/7, for study and research.
  • Reference Help: Staff help you find the information or books you need.
  • Search System (OPAC): You can search for books using a computer or old card system.
  • Online Resources: TUCL provides e-books, journals, theses, and databases through its website and RemoteXs, even from home.
  • ISBN Number: TUCL gives ISBN numbers for books published in Nepal. This started in 2000, and online service began in 2020.

Getting there

By Bus
  • Take any bus or microbus heading toward Kirtipur -look for signs saying “Kirtipur” or “Balkhu”).
  • Take any bus or microbus heading toward Kirtipur -look for signs saying “Kirtipur” or “Balkhu”). Get off at the main Kirtipur Gate. TUCL is approx 650m away from there ask People for direction or take a look at google map.
By Taxi or Ride-hailing (e.g., inDrive, Pathao etc)
Just enter “Tribhuvan University Central Library” as your destination and take a ride.
By Foot
if you’re nearby in Kirtipur or balkhu Navigate to the TUCL. It is 2.5 km away from balkhu's bus stop.