Hope in Phuket: Largest floating library docks at Panwa
PHUKET: The world’s largest floating library, MV Logos Hope, was welcomed to Phuket’s Deep Sea Port (map here) by Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut Thursday morning.
Joining local dignitaries at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were about 100 students from Yala, one of Thailand’s violence-stricken Deep South provinces.
The students were bussed to the opening as part of a community project conducted by Thai sugar producer Mitr Phol Sugar Company, explained Governor Maitri.
“It is great to be here today! This is my first time in Phuket. I am very excited about being on Logos Hope,” one of the students told the Phuket Gazette. “I’m so thankful for having the chance to come here today.”
Capt Tom Dyer, on board with his wife and oldest son, has been part of the Logos Hope project since the 1980s, with his first port of call being Thailand.
“We have tried to come here a couple times recently without success, so we are happy to be here today,” Capt Dyer said (story here).
The ship, packed with over 5,000 titles, offers more than just book knowledge: the ship’s complement of 400 volunteers from around the world take part in a variety of development projects when on land.
Moored at Ao Makham, the ship will be open to the public from 10am to 9:30pm, Thursday through Saturday, and from 1pm to 9:30pm on Sunday.
The ship will be closed to visitors next Monday and Tuesday – but will reopen from 10am to 9:30pm next Wednesday and Thursday.
Tickets to board the vessel will cost 20 baht. Children under 12 may board free of charge, but must be accompanied by an adult.
“We aim to share knowledge, experience and a variety of cultures with people from countries all over the world through our books and volunteers,” Project Coordinator Eunji Lee told the Gazette earlier this month.
“We also aim to help people in the area by building schools, making book donations and providing medical services.”
Governor Maitri extended a warm thanks to the captain and crew of Logos Hope, passing along several copies of his first English-language publication Seven Wonders (story here).
“Thank you Logos Hope for visiting Phuket. Your presence has given an opportunity to the people of Phuket and nearby provinces – you are shipping in knowledge from around the world to us,” Gov Maitri said.
— Isaac Stone Simonelli
