National Library of Thailand in Bangkok
In the age of globalization, the National Library of Thailand, as the largest and oldest library in Thailand, is the center of library and information promotion and activities in Thailand. The library has played active roles in collection of reading materials, preservation, registration and promotion of reading habit as well as the research among Thai people since the reign of King Chulalongkorn of Siam. At the turning point of the new era the National Library of Thailand is still the landmark for students, researchers and general users to consult when they need of additional knowledge and information.
History
To honour king Mongkut or Rama IV on his Birthday Centennial Celebration, on 12th October 1905 King Chulalongkom or Rama V graciously decreed that three existed royal libraries, namely Vajiranana Library, Mandira Dhamma Library and Buddhasasana Sangaha Library be amalgamated and be named the Vajiranana National Library, to be used by the general public in Thailand. At first the Library was organized at the ground level of Chakri Mahaprasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace, then at Concordia Building or Salasahathai Samakhom. The library then moved to the Thavaravattu building outside the Palace walls, by royal command of King Vajiravudh or Rama VI in 1916.
National Library has expanded its operations and activities both in. Bangkok and in the provinces as followin In Bangkok:
1. Naradhip Centre for Research in Social Sciences was set up in Thavaravauhu Building in 1979. The Centre houses private social sciences collection of His Royal Highness Prince Wan Waithayakon Krommamuen Naradhip Bongsprabandh and Prof. Boonchana Atthakorn.
2. King Vajiravudh Memorial Hall was constructed in 1981 in order to house the private collection of King Vajiravudh or Rama VI and also to display the Royal Exhibition on his activities.
3. Building number 3, In response to the needs of young reasers, a new building was constructed behind the main library, annexed to the reading services area for the purpose of extending the reading rooms. The construction was started in 1983 and completed by the end of 1984. Then it was officially declared open on 7th January 1985.
4. King Bhumibol Adulyadej Library was constructed and served the public since in 1990. The main purpose in constructing this building was to house public opinion documents which had been signed by people of Thailand all over the Kingdom to show their humble opinion to their beloved King as “King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great”
5. Princess Sirinthorn Music Library was constructed in 1988 and completed in 1991. The library was organized, furnished with audio-visual equipment and serving the public since 1994.
6. In 1997, King Rama IX Music Library was opened for public. The library houses library materials, audio – visual material on music and songs composed by King Rama IX.
In the provincial areas, there are 17 branches: successively opened:
In the Middle
1. In Buri National Library Branch, Sing Buri province (1972)
2. Ratchamangkhalaphisek National Library Branch, Kanchanaburi province (1997)
3. Suphanburi National Library Branch (1998)
4. Lat Krabang Chaloerm Prakiat National Library Branch, Bangkok (1990)
In the North
5. Lumphun National Library Branch (1978)
6. Ratchamangkhalaphisek National Library Branch, Chang Mai province (1989)
In The Northeast
7. Prakhon Chai National Library Branch, Buriram province (1985)
8. King Rama IX National Library Branch, Nakhon Ratchasima province (1987)
9. Queen Sirikit National Library Branch, Nakhon Phanom province (1994)
In the East
10. Chon Buri National Library Branch (1983)
11. Ratchamangkhalaphisek National Library Branch, Chanthaburi province (1990)
In the South
12. Wat Charoen Samanakit National Library Branch, Phuket province (1993)
13. Nakhon Si Tharnmarat National Library Branch (1978)
14. Wat Donrak National Library Branch, songkhla province (1982)
15. Kanchanaphisek National Library Branch, Songkhla province (1997)
16. Queen Sirikit National Library Branch, Songkhla province (1999)
17. Queen Sirigit National Library Branch, Trang province (1999)
