Neilson Hays Library — Attraction in Suriyawong Subdistrict

2024 - I became a member after visiting the premises a couple of times. It's a little pricey but fully worth it as there is a great range of books. The library has updated its selection since 2021 and has some of the latest titles too. Children and teens will specially love the collection and young ones will love the Story Time hour at 10.30 am on Saturdays.

Update- I chose not to renew my membership at the library as I was often made to feel unwelcome by some of the staff. I am trying to think that it may be a language issue or owing to one time I may have spoken aloud when I had fallen asleep at my desk (lol))This was even before my membership ended. When it did and I used to visit the library to use the premises which I thought was free access, I still walked on pins. Well, I am not sure if I read it all wrong. But, smiles were not readily given by some. Others did try to make up for it.😊 Things as I saw it were different for European/ Americans, who seemed to be welcomed with open arms

I am now a happy and always welcome member at TCDC and at TK Park and I enjoy the experience much better! But I miss Neilson Hays and would love to be welcomed back if I do rejoin. It used to be...

It’s a great place where you can read and study in peace, focusing on gaining knowledge. I like visiting public libraries for their academic ambience and architectural character.

The library building deserves special attention. Designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno, it still preserves its original features like columns with elegant stucco and old teakwood furniture. Another interesting detail is the double-wall structure, which helps keep the books well-ventilated and protects them from humidity.

About the entrance fee: if you come to use the books, there is a small fee of 100 baht. However, if you’re just visiting the library to look around, it’s free.

About taking pictures: photography is strictly prohibited, as stated on a sign at the entrance. But if you’re an architecture lover like me, you can try your luck and politely ask the lady at the counter for permission — just make sure not to disturb other visitors. According to the rules, photography is also allowed during special events like classical music concerts, literature festivals, or art exhibitions occasionally held at the library.

If you have time in Bangkok, I recommend...

NHL is now hosting a string quartet called R2 & Friends, comprising violinist Rhys Watkins and cellist Rowena Calvert. Joined by guest violinists Anna Takeda and Tasana Nagavajara, they recently performed two evenings of music by Vivaldi and Mendelssohn at the library.

The abridged "The Four Seasons" was a surprise for me, and I have to admit it was slightly disappointing. However, the performance was excellent and I did enjoy the shortened four concertos. At the end the quartet also added a beautiful rendition of "Silent Night."

The library makes for a good venue: though the indoors space is quite small, there is intimacy between the musicians and the audience. Of course, this means everyone would have to be on their very best behavior.

The only downside is that traffic from the street is very much audible and can be a bit distracting.

The quartet's next performance will be on Valentine's Day, 14...