Best Bangkok libraries

If you’re admiring art at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) and fancy a break, head to the lower floor where a heaven for bookworms awaits. It’s not just a place for art tomes but a small repository for knowledge on everything from science to history. Here you can read on the spot or withdraw books to enjoy at home. Located on the L floor, the BACC Art Library is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm (closed Mondays). It’s easy to find once you hop off the train at the National Stadium BTS stop, and it's completely free. 

This yellow, three-and-a-half-storey building is a treasure trove of resources, offering invaluable insights into Bangkok's history.. Beyond a wealth of books on the capital, you'll find a mix of novels, rare editions and rotating exhibitions, as well as a gallery for special events. Modern conveniences abound, from self-service book borrowing and return machines to computer stations and a video room for media needs. One standout feature is the 'Library for People with Disabilities', offering braille books for visually impaired readers. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 9pm and on Sunday from 9am to 8pm (closed on Mondays). Admission is free. 

Located on the Chao Phraya River, this library is a magnet for anyone interested in economics and banking. It spans two floors, with the ground level offering a spacious reading area and a stunning vista of the river and Rama VIII Bridge. Upstairs you’ll find a co-working space with free internet access and power outlets – perfect for those who need a productive environment with a view. The library’s modern design includes soundproof rooms for quiet reading and film watching. There’s even a children’s library zone to keep the little ones entertained. After a bit of reading, you can stretch your legs and take in the scenery down by the river. Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 8pm. Entry is free.

This charming library is located in Bang Rak. The neo-classical building, surrounded by lush greenery, earned the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Conservation Award in 2022. Dating back to the reign of King Rama V, it exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere – perfect for relaxing with a good book. Known as the ‘Library of Love’, it was created as a memorial to Thomas Hayward Hayes and Jenny Neilson Hayes, book lovers who dedicated themselves to the library’s upkeep. The romantic setting makes it an ideal spot to share a quiet read. Inside, you'll find a mix of old and new books, mostly in English, including a collection of works by John Bowring. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, with an entry fee of B100 for non-members. Membership is available for individuals and families.

If you’re in the Bang Rak area and in need of a creativity fix, this place is a must. With dedicated zones for books, digital media and design materials, it’s a haven for those keen on exploring innovation. The library is cleverly divided into areas for quiet reading and spaces where you can unleash your inner artist through workshops and activities. A series of rotating exhibitions throughout the year ensures there’s always something fresh to discover. Need to get some work done? The multipurpose rooms come with power outlets and Wi-Fi, so no excuses for not being productive. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 7pm (closed on Mondays) at the Central Post Office Building near Saphan Taksin BTS station. Entry is B10, with discounted memberships for students, teachers and seniors.

In the heart of Asoke, tucked away on the 10th floor of Serm-Mit Tower, is a cosy library perfect for anyone keen on Japanese culture. Whether you're a manga fan or hoping to brush up on your Japanese language skills, the library has a variety of resources that include textbooks, novels and language guides. There are plenty of spots to settle down, whether you prefer a quiet desk or a group table for a bit of study banter. The cherry on top is the film corner, where you can watch Japanese movies with headphones for full immersion. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm (closed Sundays). Daily admission is free but memberships are available for B600 a year for adults and B300 for students.

Central World hosts a cute learning space in the city centre that goes beyond the typical library experience. It offers more than just books, with various zones catering to different interests. There’s a music section where you can practise instruments, an IT area with computers, and even a sound room for recording or rehearsals. If you fancy something different, there are also board games and rotating workshops to keep you busy. It’s like a library on a creativity rampage – and who knew books could be this fun? Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm (closed Mondays), it’s located in the heart of the action at Central World, easily accessible from both BTS Siam and Chidlom stations. Entrance is B20, while membership fees for ages 4-24 and 60+ are B100 per year and B200 per year for ages 25-59.

Located on the second floor of the Jim Thompson Art Center, the library offers a cosy, loft-style atmosphere. Managed by The James H.W. Thompson Foundation, it houses a wide range of books focusing on textiles and art design, making it a great spot for anyone passionate about creativity or cultural heritage. The library has comfortable reading spaces inside and in the lush garden. Free internet and lockers are also available. Outside, a spacious courtyard hosts exhibitions and artistic gatherings, providing a forum for like-minded individuals to connect and share ideas. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), it’s free to enter. Membership costs B1,500 a year for adults and B600 for students.