Ever wondered where Bangkok’s English speakers found solace in a world of books? That place is the Neilson Hays Library. This historic building stands as a testament to literature and love. It is an important landmark in Bangkok’s Bang Rak District.
The Neilson Hays Library started as the Bangkok Ladies’ Library Association in 1869. The library needed a permanent home for its collection. Decades later, Dr. T. Heyward Hays stepped in. He commissioned the current building in 1921. It was a tribute to his wife, Jennie Neilson Hays. She was an active member of the library board. Her dedication ensured its survival and growth.
Completed in 1922, the Neilson Hays Library building is a neoclassical masterpiece. Italian architects Mario Tamagno and Giovanni Ferrero designed it. The building features a symmetrical layout. A domed rotunda greets visitors. It once served as the entrance hall and now functions as a gallery. The H-shaped reading room invites readers to explore its collection.
The Neilson Hays Library has about 20000 books. This is one of the largest collections of English-language books in Bangkok. You can find contemporary fiction and non-fiction. New books arrive every month. The library also has specialist books on South East Asia. Some of these are rare and out of print. English-language magazines and newspapers are available too.
In 1982, the Neilson Hays Library received the ASA Architectural Conservation Award. In 2001, it was registered as an ancient monument. From 2016 to 2018, the library underwent major restoration. In 2022, it won the UNESCO Award of Distinction. This UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award recognized its cultural heritage conservation.
Jennie Neilson Hays came to Thailand in 1881. She was part of a Protestant mission. In 1887, she married Dr. Thomas Heyward Hays. He was chief of the Royal Thai Navy Hospital. From 1900, she actively raised funds for the library. She served as president from 1914 until her death from cholera in 1920.
Today, the Neilson Hays Library continues its mission. It serves the English-speaking community in Bangkok. The library offers various memberships. It also hosts events like book sales and classical music concerts. The Neilson Hays Library has a cafe in the courtyard.
Non-members can access the library for a small donation. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. You can also explore the art exhibitions in the Rotunda Gallery. Remember to remove your shoes before entering. The teak shelves and polished wood floors add to the colonial-era feel.
The Neilson Hays Library stands as a cultural treasure. It preserves history and promotes literacy. It is a living tribute to Jennie Neilson Hays. Her legacy continues to inspire book lovers in Bangkok and beyond.