The Reading Room

Perhaps one of Bangkok’s best known privately funded libraries, The Reading Room is the brainchild of Narawan Pathomvat, whose dream was to grant city dwellers free and easy access to a variety of books. Located on the fourth floor of a converted townhouse, The Reading Room boasts a space filled with beanbags, mattresses and natural light—like a cozy living room, in case you don’t have your own—where bookworms can indulge in a selection of books on art, design, social sciences and philosophy. Peruse through them onsite or borrow them to take home (free of charge) for a more thorough reading. One corner is set up for card games, while another features a bar serving drinks. Check its Facebook page for monthly events such as free movie screenings, talks and workshops.