In Thailand, public libraries and community learning centers have become vital hubs for lifelong learning, social connection, and community empowerment. For many — especially in rural areas or lower-income urban neighborhoods — these institutions offer access to knowledge and opportunities that formal education alone may not provide.
Why Libraries and CLCs Matter in Thailand
Public libraries in Thailand serve as more than just repositories of books. They function as community learning hubs, offering a space for people of all ages to read, learn, and connect. The national network includes provincial, district, and sub-district libraries, creating a foundation that supports equitable access to education across the country.
Meanwhile, Community Learning Centres (CLCs) — often managed by the government’s non-formal education authorities — provide flexible non-formal education opportunities tailored to real community needs. They offer basic education, vocational training, digital literacy, life-skills classes, and serve as gathering spaces for community activities.
Because these services are community-based, locally managed, and accessible to everyone, they help reduce educational inequality, support lifelong learning, and strengthen social cohesion.
What Makes Community Libraries Work — A Real Example
Research on community libraries in underserved regions of Thailand highlights that their success depends on community involvement, a welcoming environment, and programs that reflect local needs. Libraries that encourage participation, cultural relevance, and a sense of belonging tend to flourish even when resources are modest.
A clear example comes from community libraries in Phitsanulok Province. Many of the libraries studied there were small — some located in a community leader’s home or a local meeting hall — yet they served as important access points for reading and informal learning. One Community Learning Centre in the province provided reading materials, tutoring support, and flexible learning opportunities for both children and adults. Local non-formal education facilitators helped organize learning activities based on community needs, from literacy classes to agricultural skills workshops.
One facilitator explained the library’s impact by saying: “When people feel comfortable here, they treat the library not as a public building but as their own learning place — a place to grow, meet neighbors, and learn for life.”
Even without advanced facilities, these community-focused centers have proven to be powerful engines for reading promotion and community development.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite their importance, many public libraries and CLCs in Thailand face limitations such as small budgets, shortages of trained librarians, limited digital resources, and outdated infrastructure. Rural areas in particular may lack modern equipment or steady funding.
At the same time, shifting reading habits and increasing reliance on digital tools require libraries to adapt. Many modern libraries in Thailand are experimenting with new models that emphasize flexible learning spaces, digital access, and community programming rather than simply lending books.
Community Learning Centres also present substantial opportunities: they can reach marginalized populations, working adults, remote communities, and young people who need alternative learning pathways.
Conclusion: Libraries and CLCs as Foundations for a Learning Society
In Thailand, public libraries and community learning centers are more than education facilities — they are essential community institutions. They nurture reading, promote lifelong learning, strengthen social ties, and empower individuals across all age groups. While challenges remain, their success ultimately lies in their strong connection to local communities and their ability to adapt to changing needs.
With continued investment and collaboration, these learning spaces will remain vital foundations for a more informed, connected, and resilient society.
