On Saturdays, countless Bangkok families, Thais and expats alike, have come together at Neilson Hays Library so that their children may journey through different adventures during story time, an activity that broadens young minds while fostering a love of reading. You may have also joined other events such as the children’s holiday parties, Firefighter’s Day and live music concert series, or simply visited the century-old structure as a peaceful refuge where you can sink into an armchair and read a book.

Located on bustling Surawongse Road, nestled among a grove of lush trees, the library houses thousands of English language books. It serves as a historic city landmark, commissioned by American expatriate Dr. Thomas Heyward Hays in memory of his beloved late wife Jennie Neilson Hays. Jennie was an active member of the Bangkok Ladies’ Library Association, an organization founded in 1869 for expatriate women to share books that remains a sanctuary for Thais and international visitors to be part of a community that thrives on books, art, music and ideas.

Today, the building — designed by famed Italian architect Mario Tamagno, and registered as a National Monument by the Fine Arts Department in 2001 — is crumbling amidst the many changes seen in the neighbourhood over the decades. For instance, a gaping hole in a corner near the entrance has been roped off, while in the center of the library, the wood floors are buckling.

The Restoration Project