Bhimphedi, Nov. 16 -- Swayambhu Gurung, an inmate serving term at Bhimphedi Regional Prison, was ecstatic on Thursday. He could now do what he loved the most-read. A new library has been established in the prison block.

"A person is sentenced to prison for various reasons. The prison holds a variety of people and in huge numbers so starting a library here ensures not just a source of entertainment but that of knowledge," Gurung said. The prison had a library but there were only a small number of books. "The new library will have more than 2,500 books and I'm excited."

Gurung, in his mid-thirties, was sentenced to 10 years on fraud charges some four years ago. A college graduate, Gurung is fond of reading and has been given the responsib...