The ContinuumINITIATIVE
Our Journey

From the Library to the Community: Visiting Bookworm Foundation in Phrao

A few books, a warm welcome, and time to listen: a day with the Rang Mai Library team and three local households.

Date
Location
Phrao, Chiang Mai, Thailand

On 4 October 2026, The Continuum Initiative visited Bookworm Foundation’s Rang Mai Library (ห้องสมุดรังไหม) in Phrao, Chiang Mai. We brought a small contribution of books, learned about the library’s work, and accompanied the team on three home visits.

A small contribution, shared with care

We brought picture books and learning materials as a modest contribution to the library. We hope they will find their way into curious hands, bringing readers moments of discovery and the simple pleasure of turning another page.

Books contributed by The Continuum Initiative to Rang Mai Library.
Books contributed by The Continuum Initiative to Rang Mai Library.

A library that reaches beyond its shelves

Bookworm’s work began in 2010 with Yoshimi Horiuchi. Its community and mobile library activities help bring reading closer to people, including those unable to visit in person. Inside Rang Mai Library, books and illustrated stories offered a glimpse of that everyday work.

Books and illustrated stories inside Rang Mai Library.
Books and illustrated stories inside Rang Mai Library.

The people who make the welcome

P’ Prae (พี่แพร), P’ Nok (พี่นก) and P’ Lek (พี่เล็ก) welcomed us and accompanied the visits. We are grateful for their time and for introducing us to the people and relationships at the heart of their work.

With the library team: P’ Prae (พี่แพร), P’ Nok (พี่นก) and P’ Lek (พี่เล็ก).
With the library team: P’ Prae (พี่แพร), P’ Nok (พี่นก) and P’ Lek (พี่เล็ก).

Three homes, time together

Nong Guitar & Nong Waew
น้องกีต้าร์ · น้องแวว

At the first home, we met Nong Guitar (น้องกีต้าร์) and Nong Waew (น้องแวว). Sitting together, exchanging smiles and sharing a photograph made the first meeting feel warm and unhurried—a chance simply to get to know one another.

A shared moment with Nong Guitar (น้องกีต้าร์) and Nong Waew (น้องแวว).
A shared moment with Nong Guitar (น้องกีต้าร์) and Nong Waew (น้องแวว).

Lung Kom ลุงคม

At the second home, Lung Kom (ลุงคม) shared his experience of rehabilitation and daily life. We appreciated the time with him, listening at his pace and learning about the person behind the recovery journey.

Visiting Lung Kom (ลุงคม) and listening to his experiences.
Visiting Lung Kom (ลุงคม) and listening to his experiences.

Pa Lek ป้าเล็ก

At the third home, Pa Lek (ป้าเล็ก) shared her life and reading journey. It was a privilege to listen to her own account, and to learn about the place reading has held in her life.

With Pa Lek (ป้าเล็ก), who shared her life and reading journey.
With Pa Lek (ป้าเล็ก), who shared her life and reading journey.

Beginning with listening

We thank the library team and all three households for welcoming us. The books were a small contribution; the time shared helped us understand more. We leave with gratitude, and with the reminder that thoughtful support begins by listening to people and respecting what matters to them.

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