The National Library of Lao people's democratic republic

The National Library of Laos (NLL) has moved five times since its inception in 1956, and was re-opened to the public in 1990, having served government use for many years. Lack of resources present many challenges for the 34 NLL staff; such as the purchase of basic equipment and the absence of a legal deposit law means that the collections are developed only through purchases and donations As well as traditional library services, the NLL carries out programmes such as the Reading Promotion Project via mobile libraries, the distribution of library bookcases to all primary schools in Laos, and the Preservation of the Palm-Leaf Manuscripts project. The Lao Government has recently recognised the essential role of libraries, and has introduced a plan which includes a new Library building, the establishment of new provincial libraries and the introduction of a library school in Lao PDR.