November 9, 1999
We care Keeping people posted Lek Pongsamakthai ... I like to see my books benefit other readers. Reading helps open one's mind and broaden one's vision. If you read between the lines it's obvious-giving more people easier access to books means they can be better educated Story And Pictures By Nilubol Pornpitagpan 'Pleasures rot away without books," said one Bulgarian writer. And Lek Pongsamakthai could not agree more. The principal of Phon Technology and Commercial College in Khon Kaen loves reading and collected a vast library of books over the years. Twelve years ago, he saw his collection slowly being overwhelmed by dust in the cabinet and he realised that's not what a real love of books was about. He decided books stored in the cabinet were a waste if left untouched and unread. It came to him that books were not for keeps, but for being shared by bookworms. He then started the Post Library Project using his three-storey house in Muang district, Maha Sarakham, as the office. Members could borrow books from his library without charge. What he asked from readers was enough stamps to cover the cost of sending the books to them. Now he has around 600-700 members across the country and 4,000-5,000 books and magazines in circulation. "I love reading and like to encourage others to read," said Mr Lek who has been teaching for three decades. Recalling his inspiration for starting the library project, he said: "I like to see my books benefit other readers. Reading helps open one's mind and broaden one's vision. "I thought of how I could make my wish [of broadening peoples' horizon's] come true and the long distance education programme of Sukhothaithammathirat Open University came to mind," he said. Mr Lek, a native of Bangkok, got his first job teaching in Maha Sarakham and has lived there ever since. "Sukhothaithammathirat's study-via-mail project has proved very successful, so I based my library on that concept." His idea was to make lending books very accessible, thus widening the opportunity for people of all walks of life to read. Regular libraries usually run with many rules which can turn readers away. But his has no complicated conditions. And no deposit is required. He won support from Tanit Pukarn of the Siam Rath newspaper who gave the library some free publicity when the project started in January 1988. The advertisement explained the details of the plan-the 'membership fee' was 24-baht worth of postage stamps. Thirty readers answered the notice. The membership fee (the current rate is 30 baht) covers the postage of newsletters, which Mr Lek provides three or four times a year. They list the books available and the postage fees for receiving them through the mail. Mr Lek's Post Library Project also received free publicity from Mor Muan Chon Magazine. As the membership increased, he realised his collection of 200 books was too small and the choices too narrow. His own collection covered philosophy, Buddhist philosophy and politics which were the subjects he was interested in. He had to get more books to better serve his readers. "I bought some new ones but I couldn't afford too many," said Mr Lek. "So I sent letters to the publishing houses and authors asking them to donate their newly-published books for my project. "And when I saw any funeral announcements of important people, I wrote to their relatives asking if they might possibly donate a copy of their funeral book to my collection." Some people who regularly contribute to the project are Dr Vitaya Nakvachara (a psychiatrist who has published many psychology books), Dr Vinita Diteeyont (a novelist), better known by her penname Vor Vinijchaikul, and Prapassorn Sevikul (another famous novelist). "A few years ago, Dr Vinita spotted one of my articles in Siam Rath newspaper which talked about a particularly rare memorial book. She wrote and asked if she may borrow the book from the library, and, of course, we lent it to her. Since then she has been very generous in sending her new novels to my library," said Mr Lek. Mr Lek said he has also had a very generous response from many grieving families who have sent memorial books. On many occasions when a respected person passes away a memorial book is written about them. These books may contain a biography, but also a myriad of other passages about things that were important to the deceased person. These may include everything from recipes to passages from sacred texts. Mr Lek's library now boasts a proud collection of books published for funeral ceremonies. The latest ones were sent by Thanpuying Butri Viravaidya. Two of the huge volumes she sent contain all the state announcements issued during King Rama IV's reign. The Khao Fang Publishing House is another regular contributor. In addition to sending books, the house also helps print the newsletter outlining the categories of books available through the library. When Mr Lek sees a title he considers interesting he contacts his members and tells them about it and asks for donations if they would like him to buy it. That was how he obtained the collection by the great philosopher and writer Phya Anuman Rajadhon, published by Kurusapa Business Organisation, to mark the author's centennial anniversary in 1989. And so the volume of books at the library expands with the readers' donations. In his newsletter, Mr Lek tells people about the new books he has obtained with the help of particular donors. People across Thailand write to Mr Lek to ask to borrow books from his Post Library Project. Even with the help of the publishing companies and the postage fees paid by members, Mr Lek still has to reach into his own pocket to cover many of the other costs of producing and mailing out the newsletters. He earns around 27,000 baht a month from his job as principal. "I give all my income to my wife as she runs the household. I try to keep the expense of the library project down to about 600 or 700 baht a month so it won't burden my family," Mr Lek said. Thus to save money, he recycles envelopes from the school. He runs the library himself in the evenings, doing everything from opening mail to sending books to members. His only helper is his wife. "Since I leave early to take a bus to Khon Kaen and come back after the post office shuts, my wife posts off the books for me and collects any new mail." His wife, Ratana, said: "Although I don't read much like my husband I think this project is good, so I want to support it." Mr Lek said: "I would like to make the library into a kind of foundation to give a better service to readers, but this costs money." Libraries are a great source of books for people on a low income. "I do hope my project will set a good example for the state agencies. For instance the Non-formal Education Department could set up a similar service. They have the money and manpower and could provide a greater, wider service to readers throughout the country. "Postal libraries mean people can improve their education when the mood takes them. The secret is to give readers easy access to books," said Mr Lek. *** "We Care" is a weekly series honouring people who believe in giving. Apart from supporting these causes, you can also let us know about people who unselfishly help others so we can make more people aware of their efforts. Fax 'We Care' on 240-3668 or call 240-3700 ext 3208 or 3212. Email can be sent to: sanitsuda@bangkokpost.net. For a comprehensive list of charities covered by Outlook's 'We Care' weekly series, see the Bangkok Post Web site at http://www.bangkokpost.net/outlookwecare/. Info for donations - Name of Organisation: The Post Library Project - Address: 1505 Nakhon Sawan Road, Muang District, Maha Sarakham 44000 - Contact person: Lek Pongsamakthai - Tel: (043) 723-410, (01) 872-7015 - Savings Account: The Post Library Project 608-2-29206-9, Siam Commercial Bank, Maha Sarakham branch. Or send a cheque payable to the Post Publishing Public Company Limited. Address it to Kusuma Mintakhin, Editorial Manager, 136 Na Ranong Road, off Sunthorn Kosa, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. Her telephone number is 240-3700 ext 3224-5. Please include your name and address with your cheque so we can send you a receipt. Mr Lek will gratefully receive both cash donations and donations of books.		The Royal Barge Procession A Visionary Monarch Current Issues in Thailand Bangkok Post Year-end Economic Review NEW! 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