National Library of Bhutan, National library and archives in Thimphu, Bhutan
The National Library of Bhutan sits in an eight-sided building with four floors positioned above the Royal Thimphu Golf Course. The structure follows traditional Bhutanese design and houses exhibitions of rare texts and historical photographs.
The institution was founded in 1967 under Queen Ashi Phuntso Choden's support and first operated from the central tower of Tashichodzong. The move to its present building marked a turning point in its development as a modern library facility.
The library holds a broad collection of Buddhist scriptures and traditional texts from different religious schools found in Bhutan. These materials reflect how written knowledge connects deeply to the spiritual life and beliefs of the people here.
Visitors should remove their shoes before entering as part of the respect shown at this place. It helps to spend time looking through the exhibitions of rare texts and historical photographs.
The building displays a copy of the world's largest published book, measuring about 2 meters tall, titled 'Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey Across the Last Himalayan Kingdom'. This unusual work is a visual feat and a curiosity that surprises many visitors.
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