In Bangkok, if you’re tired working from cafe or co-working space, public libraries can be your alternative destination to either work, read book or get inspired.

There are many public libraries scattered throughout the city but one library that I managed to visit multiple times was Ma Ruey Library which was located inside SET (The Stock Exchange of Thailand Building). The library has quite extensive collections especially for finance related literature and a great place to be if you’re looking air-conditioned space or simply just want to read book.

Ma Ruey library is also very accessible as its location is only 5 minutes walk from Thailand Cultural Center MRT station. As you get inside the building, there are scanners that will scan your bags and the security sometimes will ask you where to go. When they ask, you can say, the library or the museum called Investory. The library is located on the ground floor, only one escalator down from the entrance door and on the left side from the investory.

I didn’t get to check out the museum but I took picture of the statues in front of it which is bull and bear. Inside the library there are plenty comfortable chairs with the sockets on the ground. You are also allowed to bring small snacks and drinks inside the library. So, it’s very convenient place to be as you can bring coffee inside while trying to be productive. The library isn’t always packed and if you go in the morning, you can see some people reading the magazine and newspapers.

When I was inside the library, I managed to read 5 books/day. I went there a couple of times and it was the most amount I read throughout my wandering. I normally read one to 2 books a day that I get from the hostel’s shelves but inside that library, I got to read quite a bit. I wanted to share some of the books I managed to read and the ones that are pretty intriguing. The books inside that library is mostly about business, finance, marketing and investments.

So, those were mostly the books I read from there and today I am sharing some of the most memorable and helpful books I read during my time spent there.

· The Bitcoin Standard Saifedean Ammous

If you wanted to learn more about Bitcoin, this is the book to start. Before actually reading the book, I thought this was not beginner friendly but the book is pretty elaborate and beginner’s friendly. It will make you appreciate the technology even more and how it could change the way we see money or known as "fiat".

· Blockchain Revolution by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott

Blockchain Revolution is a book I’ve been meaning to read but never got the chance to. It’s quite intriguing book that also lays out some example and use case of the technology. There are many examples that you can learn from and perhaps inspire you to create the next Dapps that could solve other people’s problem. I would definitely recommend giving this a read. It also will help you understand better what blockchain is and what it does to transform our future as a society and even on an individual level.

· Fintech For Dummies by Steven O'Hanlon et all

I have reviewed this book in another post briefly and I definitely recommend this book if you’re into startups or fintech. This book also has an idea how to manage a good team and how to do sales pitch and find VC money. I am sure that in reality it can be a different ballgame but learning how things roughly worked has helped me understand things better.

· The Chinese Way to Wealth and Prosperity: 8 Timeless Strategies for Achieving Financial Success by Michael Justin Lee

It’s such a mouthful title but because I was intrigued with their ways of living especially when it comes to wealth. In Indonesia, majority of the top 1% are of Chinese descent and even my mom told me some of their strategies to be prosperous. To me, this book just confirmed what I’ve been taught but also learned a lot more the reasoning behind them all. It’s quite intriguing and has lessons that you can apply in your life.

· Personal Finance For Dummies by Eric Tyson

This book basically told me that I was too poor. It re-shaped the way I see savings, debts and finally making me take an action to my personal financial issues. There are so many things in my personal finance that I needed to adjust and nothing ever made sense than that book.

Though at the same time some parts of the book are also regurgitating some common financial talks and advises out there. But I was thoroughly inspired by that book and wanting to redefine the way I look at personal finance. So, it's not that bad afterall especially given the title " for dummies", it lives up to its name. It's bite-sized and digestible read. Also perfect if it's your first time jumping into personal finance.

There were many more books that I read during my visit to Ma ruey library. But those I gave a brief reviewed are the books that was all truly inspiring to me. They add and refreshing some knowledge I had about blockchain, cryptocurrency, bitcoin and even Fintech. If you have time to read, pick one of those book and who knows, maybe you'd be a whale one day 🤣