BANGKOK — A historic library for bookworms and art lovers is struggling with its infrastructural decline and asking the public to help save the 95-year-old building to remain for another decade.
Operated as a non-profit library since 1869, Neilson Hays Library is located in a serene side of Surawong Road for the public to enjoy a wide range of English-language books along with art and cultural activities.
Designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno, the architectural gem’s structure has endured Bangkok’s humidity and rains for decades, which has led it to display visible damages. The restoration will be conducted by Thai architects who specialize in historic preservation and will focus on fixing the library’s floors, interior walls, roof tiles, air conditioning, climate control and drainage system.
The Neilson Hays Library Conservation Project will require a total of 10 million baht. While 9.5 million of the funds have been provided by its partners, the restoration project still needs 500,000 baht.
As of Thursday morning, donations had reached 145,600 baht. To support the project, contributions can be made online via Asiola until July 11. Donors will earn rewards such as a membership and a plaque of honor.
Direct donations can also be made at the library or through written cheques under the name “Neilson Hays Library.”
Bank transfers can be made through Kasikorn Bank’s account No. 023-161213-0, Bangkok Bank’s No. 118-534071-6 or Siam Commercial Bank’s No. 002-308557-6 followed by an email with an attachment of the payment slip along with personal information to [email protected] to receive a receipt and reward.
