English language library in Chiang Mai?

[mat999]

My Filipina wife wants to improve her English grammar. She has found a reasonably priced text book, but I noticed a library on the map the other day which gave me an idea, in case she wants multiple books. I searched the forum and just saw information about a Christian library which has now closed.

 

Are foreigners on an education visa (not related to language) welcome to take books out of any public libraries in Chiang Mai? I assume they would have the book/s she is interested in as I imagine Thais would use it when fairly proficient in English.

 

Thank you.

[miccurrie]

There used to be a USIS library associated with the American consulate. When that closed down, the library was passed on to the AUA in Chiang Mai and as far as I am aware they still maintain it. I'm not sure what the conditions are for using it but if you contact AUA they will tell you. 

[wwest5829]

There exists an American Center at Chiang Mai University. What resources in English are available, I do not know. You might inquire through the Consulate or Chiang Mai University Library. With the help of the U.S. Embassy, I donated some 298 books on American/Latin American History ( in English) to the Chiang Mai University Library. Some of these books were further sent to The Pince of Songha University in the South.

[Ricardo]

There are still a handful of good second-hand book stores here, you pay to buy the book, but they give you a 50% trade-in credit when you bring it back, personally I'd recommend Backstreet Books  ...  George (from Eire) is a lovely helpful guy, who also runs the fairly-nearby Lost Bookshop  ...  

 

http://backstreetbooksiam.com/

 

also next doors to BB is Gekko Books

 

https://www.gekkobooks.com/

[1FinickyOne]

For all the effort involved in running around, you might be just as well off to buy a kindle version from Amazon... if you do not have a kindle, I think you can still access it through an App... 

[Hardie]

Unless something has changed in the last decade or so, public libraries in CM are pretty bad. AUA was/is okay. If you have a library card in the US, you can check out e-books for free via 'overdrive', good deal--free... 

[nglodnig]

1 hour ago, Ricardo said:

There are still a handful of good second-hand book stores here, you pay to buy the book, but they give you a 50% trade-in credit when you bring it back, personally I'd recommend Backstreet Books  ...  George (from Eire) is a lovely helpful guy, who also runs the fairly-nearby Lost Bookshop  ...  

 

http://backstreetbooksiam.com/

 

also next doors to BB is Gekko Books

 

https://www.gekkobooks.com/

These shops are wonderful - I love going there.

[mat999]

Thanks all. She actually found a suitable book for a good price as new, think it is new actually. From the book store just south of Macdonalds at Thapae Gate. 

 

Its nice to have a real book for reference books.

 

We found inquiring about services at CMU very frustrating as we don't speak Thai.

[masuk]

I use a Kindle e-book, which is excellent, as books can be downloaded from your home-town library if your membership is current, or new books can be purchased on-line.   e-books are far cheaper than printed books and are delivered instantly via Amazon or free from your library.

 

Another advantage is that if a new or difficult word is in the text, the Kindle has a dictionary built in, and the explanation pops up when you hold your finger on the new word.  Great for English learners.

 

I usually keep about 10 books or so in my Kindle, but it holds many more.  Zero weight, no overweight luggage!

[Ricardo]

5 hours ago, mat999 said:

Thanks all. She actually found a suitable book for a good price as new, think it is new actually. From the book store just south of Macdonalds at Thapae Gate. 

 

Its nice to have a real book for reference books.

 

We found inquiring about services at CMU very frustrating as we don't speak Thai.

 

That would be DK-Books, excellent stationery-shop, and not bad for new books either, but she really should try one of the secondhand-shops, so should you if you enjoy reading, they'll bring a lot of pleasure once you discover them !

Edited August 26, 2017 by Ricardo

[mat999]

I am not a reader, poor attention span from electronic devices.

 

I found it fascinating you can download books from your library to a Kindle. I had no idea that was possible. I used to own the original Kindle which is a great device.

 

But like I said with reference books I think it is best to have a hard copy if not experienced with a kindle. Especially as some of these language books have tasks to fill in.

 

Thanks again all ??

[Teak]

There was an English library at cm unîversity. I used to cruise it to meet young women as well as attractive ajarns. yes, and to read books !