On Monday, Surawong’s heritage reading space oasis and community venue, Neilson Hays Library and its extended cafe area, closed for renovations following a collapsing tree.

 

Known for its lush lawn area, the culprit for the closing was a large tree—which is older than the century-old building—that fell after heavy rains; the cause of the tree’s collapse has not been confirmed. 

 

While no books have been reported damaged, the cafe and library itself were damaged. Currently, the maintenance team is working toward a restoration plan, and a Neilson Hays representative told BK earlier today that the library is expected to be up and running within a month. 

 

Neilson Hays was originally part of the Bangkok Ladies’ Library Association but didn’t have a permanent location until the present building was constructed in 1922. The Italian architects Mario Tamagno and Giovanni Ferrero pulled from neoclassical elements, most recognisable by the Italianate dome entry that has been turned into a gallery. In 1982, the building won the architectural conservation award hosted by the Association of Siamese Architects. 

 

Beyond a library, Neilson Hays, which celebrated its 103rd birthday in June, has been a cultural and community staple with locals and visitors alike attending the annual book fair sales, festive children events, literary discussions, and more. Bookworks and culture vultures eagerly await its reopening. For more information, visit Neilson Hays.