PROGRAMS

A Community Center

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” — Coretta Scott King

From author talks and concerts to writing workshops and coding lessons, our programs offer activities for people of all ages. A variety of events are held throughout the year, most free or discounted to Library members, and others open to the public for a small fee. Special events are held as fundraisers to support the Library programs.

Program activities are planned and led by generous volunteers. We welcome ideas and suggestions for events which may be of interest to our members and the wider community. Contact us if you would like to get involved as a volunteer!

View the events calendar for information on how and when to join us for upcoming activities.

Adult Programs

AUTHOR TALKS
Experience intimate conversations with local and international writers of fiction, non-fiction, and journalism.
BOOK CLUB
Join monthly group discussions at the library to analyze a chosen book or featured author. Find upcoming book club selections in the Library newsletter and on the Events page.
CONCERTS
Enjoy live performances of a variety of musical genres performed by artists of all ages. We have the pleasure of partnering with The College of Music, Mahidol University for monthly concerts.

Art Exhibitions

The Neilson Hays Library offers two distinct spaces for artists wishing to display their work: the Garden Cafe Gallery and the Rotunda Gallery. Stunning and accessible work by diverse artists of many nationalities are featured. Artistic media include paintings, photography, textiles and ceramics. Many artworks are offered for sale during the exhibitions. Our Gallery Coordinator can advise on using these unique spaces. Contact the Library Office to inquire about exhibiting artwork.

ROTUNDA GALLERY
This is an elegant domed room, originally the imposing entrance to the Library. The circular floor is tiled in original teak and the walls feature neo-classical decorative stucco. Modern art creates a particularly stunning contrast within this classical setting.

Book Sales

BI-ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
Twice a year locals, ex-pats and tourists alike are invited to select from thousands of fiction and non-fiction books in English, plus a selection of other languages, donated by Neilson Hays Library supporters or withdrawn from the library shelves. A few rare books are also offered at market value. These sales serve as a major, recurring fundraiser for the Library, and all proceeds go towards the upkeep of our landmark building and our educational and arts programs.

If you have any unwanted books to contribute to the sale, please drop them off at the library between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Garden Café

FOOD AND BEVERAGES
The Neilson Hays Library Garden Café is a popular destination with library members and local business people alike. Operated by our neighbors, The British Club, the café serves breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Children’s Story Time every Saturday morning sees families come together afterward for a family friendly lunch – kids can refuel, make new friends and play in the open, whilst parents relax and enjoy their meal.

The convenience of our car park makes it an ideal location for casual business meetings over coffee or lunch, while regular art exhibitions provide an added visual treat. Come select a good book and relax with a delicious cappuccino, or escape the Bangkok heat with a cool drink.

Children’s Program

CHILDREN’S CORNER SATURDAY STORY TIME SCHOOL VISITS WORKSHOPS

Our Children’s Corner is a cosy and inviting space for our young members to make themselves comfortable on a cushion or sit at a small table, where they can enjoy their favourite stories.

Children of all ages can explore our extensive collection of picture, fiction and non-fiction books. There is also a comprehensive section for Young Adults.

Every Saturday morning is dedicated to children, with our popular Children’s Story Time sessions at 10:30 AM. Enthusiastic readers engage young listeners with several books, usually chosen to follow a particular theme each week. Stories are followed by an imaginative craft activity related to the book theme.

The Story Time audience is comprised of native English speakers and children who are learning English. Saturday mornings are a great opportunity to listen, practice and absorb English in a fun and non-threatening environment, where children can play with new friends every week. Saturday Story Time is free for members, THB 200 for non-members.

A visit to the Neilson Hays Library can be a wonderful opportunity to explore the building’s architectural features, take a look back at Bangkok 100 years ago, and learn about libraries and their important role in society. We welcome school visits and will tailor a short programme appropriate to the age and needs of the school group. Visits include Library history and a building tour. Additional activities may include a craft and refreshments. start at THB 400 per student. Please contact our School Visit Coordinator to discuss your requirements.

Monthly workshops allow children and young adults an opportunity to learn a new topic and develop their skills. Our Creative Writing Workshop is a place for young people to foster creativity and confidence in writing, while our CoderDojo sessions establish foundational coding skills. Visit the events calendar for session schedules and sign-up instructions.

Library Collection

Explore…

“I love books. I adore everything about them. I love the feel of the pages on my fingertips. They are light enough to carry, yet so heavy with worlds and ideas. I love the sound of the pages flicking against my fingers. Print against fingerprints. Books make people quiet, yet they are so loud.” — Nnedi Okorafor, The Book of Phoenix

Search tips Search Books

1 2 3 4

Housing approximately 20,000 books, the Neilson Hays Library is one of the largest collections of English language titles in Bangkok open to the general public. Offering a wide variety of contemporary fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, new books are added to the collection every month.

VISIT US

A donation of 100 THB is required per person from non-members using the library’s facilities. Neilson Hays Library is a non-profit organization funded by members’ subscription.

OPERATING HOURS

Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
(closed Monday)

ADDRESS

195 Surawong Road
Suriyawongse, Bangrak
Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Tel: 662 233 1731
email: info@neilsonhayslibrary.org

BUSINESS POLICY

20,000

Books and counting