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3-6-3. LibrariesNational LibraryThailand’s National Library is situated on Samsen Road in Thewet District. The librarymaintains an extensive collection of Thai books and literature, both ancient and modern, as wellas a smaller selection of foreign-language books. The main Vajirayan Building houses stoneinscriptions and scripture cabinets. Other sections include the Thun Boriphat Music Library andthe ancient archives room. Documentary projections, discussions and exhibitions are held fromtime to time. The library also offers a data search serviceThe library is open daily to the public from 9:00 to 19:30, except for national holidays.Admission is free. To contact the National Library, please call 0-2281-5313, 0-2281-5212.Siam Society & Baan KamthiengThe royally-sponsored Siam Society, located at 131 Soi Asoke (Sukhumvit Soi 21), is setup to promote, preserve and research traditional Thai culture and arts. Founded in the 1900s, theSociety is one of the best places to look for information on most non-political topics inThailand. A reference library within the complex is open to members of the public. The‘Journal of the Siam Society’ is one of the most comprehensive and respected publications onThai heritage and culture.Within the grounds of the Siam Society are two traditional teak houses, one of which,Ban Kamthieng, was originally built in Chiang Mai over 200 years ago and transported to itspresent site piece by piece in the 1960s. The second house, Ban Sangaroon, was donated to theSiam Society by the architect Sangaroon Ratagasikorn. It is a classic example of Central Plainsstyle. Tools and implements used by Thai farmers and fishermen are on display and thesurrounding lush tropical gardens are home to a large variety of flora and fauna. The complexgives a good idea what life would have been like a couple of centuries ago.Ban Kamthieng is open daily, except Sunday and Monday, 9.00-12.00 and 13.00-17.00.An admission fee of 50 Baht is charged to help maintain the grounds. For more information, call0-2661-6470 to 7, Fax: 0-2258-3491.The Neilson Hays LibraryThe Neilson Hays Library was founded in 1869 by the Ladies’ Bazaar Association, whichformed the Bangkok Ladies’ Library Association to serve the reading needs of the large Englishspeakingcommunity in Bangkok. The building and property now occupied by the library waspart of an endowment received from Dr. Hayward Hays in 1922 in memory of his wife JennieNeilson Hays who had been serving on the committee of the Library for at least 25 years. It isthe oldest non-profit association in the Kingdom of Thailand.Since October 1999, the library has been fully air-conditioned with over 20,000 volumeson display. The library is centrally located in Bangkok and members may escape the frantic paceof big city life to browse and select from the vast range of titlesIf you are looking for that out-of-print edition on Southeast Asia or a recent best-sellerto take on holiday, the Neilson Hays will have the book for you. The latest titles are ordered viathe Internet on a monthly basis from the United States and Britain. The most currentpublications on Southeast Asia are acquired locally. The library also has an extensive Children'sCollection of classics and current favorites for young readers of all ages.43