The Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Public Library is Bhutan’s first public lending library. It was first established in 1978 as a youth club under the auspices of Indo-Bhutan Friendship Association (BIFA). On September 1980 the library was formally inaugurated as Thimphu Public Library with the books from Youth club and books from the then Ministry of Development and located near the Bank of Bhutan. For a few years the library catered to a few clienteles with the books from Youth Club and Ministry of Development. Thereafter, some budget was allotted for purchase of books. The Library shifted to the present premise in 1986. The shift to the present premise did not attract new readers for few months as it was not very centrally located.

When the Government increased the budget for books, the readership increased to some extent but sadly lacking in sufficient manpower. We had no budget for providing proper library services such as Children’s program, mobile library. Now with the help of Friends of Library we have started Children Reading program from 2006 which was a huge success as many children became interested in reading books and the memberships increased by 200%.

The Library furnishes upto-date facts and information on all subjects for the students, researches and other layman. The books on various subjects are kept systematically for the users.

The library has dailies and periodicals subscribed from the local vendors and India House has been till date kindly contributing many of the newspapers and periodicals, National Library for the Kuensels.

The Library has of 701 Members in the year 2006 and collection of 17998 Books. The figures of both members and collections of books rises every year.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE LIBRARY:

Here’s how for students:
Decurity deposit of Nu 250 (refundable at any time) after returning the books
Annual membership fee of Nu 25.

For Adults:
      Security Deposits : Nu. 500
      Annual Membership Nu. 50

Other Services available: photocopying, fax and internet for the public.