Neilson Hays Library on Surawong Road turns 95 this year. One of the most handsome buildings remaining in the bustling district, the library will close for six months of renovations, starting in March. But members and visitors can rest assured, the lending service will not be affected, and the library continues to ensure its relevance to young readers with a recently launched short story competition (see box).
Private-run libraries are very uncommon in Bangkok. Neilson Hays Library opened in 1922 and today it remains an abode for book-lovers who come to read and borrow books. The building was designed by Mario Tamagno, an Italian architect who worked in Thailand during the reigns of King Rama V and VI on majestic edifices such as Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Bang Khun Prom Palace, Hua Lamphong Train Station and Wat Benchamabopit.
Neilson Hays was the name of Jennie Neilson Hays, the wife of Thomas Heyward Hays, presbyterian medical doctor. Mrs Hays had been active president of Bangkok Ladies' Library Association, the association established by 13 female expats in 1869. Hays remained in the position for two decades until she suddenly died from cholera in 1920 and left a substantial sum to the association. Her husband then commissioned Tamagno to design the library as a memorial for his beloved wife.
When it opened officially in 1922, a local newspaper described it as "a grand palace on a small scale".
According to The Neilson Hays Library Bangkok, Tenth Cycle Commemoration Booklet by Rita Ringis, the design of the place is ingenious.
"From the brass screws in the bookcases to the top roof tile[s], everything is the best that money can buy -- material and craftsmanship. The main features of the building are the central hall with its high domed roof, and the two wings also with domed roofs," Ringis wrote.
Apart from making sure the building was a feast for the eyes, the architect created a Western style building that is suitable for a tropical climate, as well as being flood-proof.
"Built on a concrete foundation resembling an inverted saucer, the building is moisture proof and well ventilated. Each of the three large rooms is skirted by bookcases snugly built in double walls allowing an air space at the back, thus keeping them dry and at the same time insect proof. The floors are of polished teak, making the building eminently suited for social functions, and an excellent lighting system has been installed," Ringis wrote.
The library has faithfully served the bookworms of Bangkok since its opening and only closed for a long stretch once, during World War II, when the invading Japanese army occupied the premises for almost a year. Since then, it has been adjusted with time. Air-conditioning was installed in 1999 and a small modern café was added to the garden.
Nalin Vanasin, president of Neilson Hays Library Board, said that the upcoming six-month renovation, from March to August, will not change the legendary design but will focus on strengthening and fixing underground structures, and repairing wear-and-tear parts like floors and roofs.
Neilson Hays Young Writer Awards 2017
The theme of the contest is "Hope". Children may choose to work individually or in teams of up to three. Categories are:
A) Original picture books: Children must be 12 years or under from Thai-Bilingual schools. Length will be 12 pages, 300 words.
B) Original picture books: Children must be 12 years or under from international schools. Length will be 12 pages, 300 words.
C) Original picture books: Children must be 16 years or under from Thai-Bilingual schools. Length will be 16 pages, 500 words.
D) Original picture books: Children must be 12 years or under from international schools. Length will be 16 pages, 500 words.
E) Original short story: Children must be 18 years or under. All schools. 800-1,000 words (individual work only).
Submitted works will be judged by a panel featuring respected members of the literary and publishing community, including MR Narisa Chakrabongse, author, publisher and environmentalist; Onchuma Yuthavong, writer, director and associate professor on drama; Asst Prof Chaiporn Panichrutiwong, director and animator; Emma Larkin, author of books on Myanmar including the highly praised Finding George Orwell In Burma; Pieretta Dawn, writer; and Kathy MacLeod, cartoonist and graphic novelist.
Shortlisted writers and illustrators in the final round will participate in a workshop and work critiques held at Chakrabongse Villa, with guests and critics including Ngarmphan Vejjajiva, SEA Write awarded writer; Khunying Chamnongsri Hanchanlash, writer and translator; Alisa Tang, award-winning journalist at Thomson Reuters Foundation; and Nitta Chinalai, illustrator and publisher. Cash prize will be 10,000 baht per category.
Closing date is Feb 28.
For further details, call 02-233-1731, go to www.neilsonhayslibrary.com or email NHYoungWriters@neilsonhayslibrary.com
