Bangkok City Library Launch April 2017
The launch of Bangkok City Library sees one of the newest libraries open its doors to the general public in Thailand.
Bangkok's new public library comes after UNESCO named the city as the World Book Capital. That worldwide acknowledgement and distinction occurred back in 2013.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration chose to honor it with 9 new initiatives. The BMA want the culture of reading to continue and expand for studious Bangkokians.
One of those initiatives is the 296 million baht Bangkok City Library. The information and media center is convenient for most to find.
Ratchadamnoen Road is the chosen location for the innovative assemblage of media and book collection.
There is no shortage of reading space at Bangkok City Library. It amasses 4,880 square meters laid out over three large storeys. The hi-tech bibliotheca building is in-keeping with its original neoclassical construction.
Books, Magazines, and Newspapers
As you might expect, the first floor welcomes visitors to a world of paper publications.
You can find a vast collection of books, newspapers, and magazines.
The first tier is where you will find the tourist information booth. It also has a 30-seat theater and a rather delectable coffee shop.
A trendy mezzanine provides a media and book center where kids can study and learn. Several cozy corners provide areas where parents and children can read together.
You will find the foreign language books on the second floor. This level also boasts a multi-purpose event space and a noiseless study room.
The Thai Royal Family
The uppermost third storey is the home to precious volumes about the Thai Royal Family. This section has publications on the royal initiatives and rare copies donated by foreign embassies.
More than 40,000 books get classified under the Dewey Decimal Classification System. You can also access over 1,000 e-books from the computers installed at Bangkok City Library. The up-to-date learning center offers free Wi-Fi. That means you can take your own laptop and access most online resources.
Note: The Dewey Decimal Classification System is a method for classifying books in a library. It is a general knowledge organization tool named after Melvil Dewey. He was an American Librarian who developed it in 1876.
Bangkok City Library Opening Hours
Following the unofficial 'soft launch' Bangkok City Library will open Tuesday to Saturday from 08:00 to 24:00. Sunday opening hours are 09:00 to 20:00. The facility plans to offer round-the-clock operations after the official opening later in 2017.
Entry to the library is free but they offer an annual membership. It will cost around 25 Thai baht per adult and 15 baht per child to become a full library member.
Note: House registration requires proof of identification and there is no parking available.