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Throughout the 100 years
of the Neilson Hays Library, there has
been an important significance in Thai
history beyond the ordinary library in
many respects.
This library
building was designed by the architect
who designed the Ananta Samakhom Throne
Hall. It has been in operation since
1922 as one of the first libraries in
Bangkok and was built in remembrance of
a beloved woman.
The beginning
of the Neilson Hays Library came from
the gathering of only 13 British and
American ladies in the name of The
Bangkok Ladies's Library
Association. Which in the first phase
did not have a definite location. The
locations and opening times must be
rotated according to the homes of the
association members.
After the
death of Jenny Nielson, a member of the
society Dr. Thomas Hayward Hays,
Jenny's husband has seen his
wife's love and determination in
running the library all her life.
Therefore, he invested in the design and
construction of a building on Surawong
Road to serve as the permanent location
of the library and to commemorate the
love of his wife. The name of the
library comes from a combination of the
surnames Nielson and Hays.
The building
was designed by an important Italian
architect in Thailand, craftsmanship at
the same level used in the construction
of national landmarks. The library
building is therefore beautifully
proportioned. The circular dome hall is
symmetrical with the building plan that
is the same width and length on all
sides, compatible with arched doors and
windows. Also attention to design
details that are appropriate for a
library, such as a double-walled system
to prevent moisture, ventilation, or
even choose to use all brass bookshelf
nails to prevent rust.
This beauty
and perfect fit earned the library the
Outstanding Building Conservation Award
of the Year 1982 from the Association of
Siamese Architects under royal
patronage.
The Neilson
Hays Library provides primarily
English-language books based on the
wishes and aptitudes of Jenny Nelson and
Dr. Thomas Hayward Hays. At present,
besides providing printing services,
there are also a variety of activities
such as garden music, book fairs, art
exhibitions, literature week,
storytelling, activities for children.
Most of all activities are communicated
in English.
Open on
Tuesday - Sunday from 09.30 - 17.00,
closed on Mondays and public holidays.
There is a library maintenance fee of
100 baht per person in case of
non-members of the library. But you can
visit the surrounding area free of
charge.
For more information of
the library https://neilsonhayslibrary.org
Or www.facebook.com/NeilsonHaysLibrary