Thimphu READCenter

Thimphu READCenter The READ Center empowers communities through knowledge, innovation, and opportunity.

As part of the READ Global network, the Center provides access to education, leadership and livelihood initiatives that strengthen resilient and inclusive communities. The Thimphu READ Center is a community-based initiative and part of the global network of community libraries established by READ Global. Founded in 2012 as a project under the former READ Bhutan office, the Center serves as a commu

nity learning hub dedicated to expanding access to knowledge, skills, and opportunities for people of all ages. Through its community library and programs, the Center promotes a culture of reading, lifelong learning, and active civic engagement. Its work focuses on key program areas including literacy and education, public health awareness, disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, and gender equality and women’s empowerment. These initiatives provide learning resources, training opportunities, and community platforms that help individuals build knowledge, strengthen skills, and participate meaningfully in community development. By fostering inclusive learning spaces and community-driven programs, the Thimphu READ Center contributes to strengthening community capacity and empowering individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to improve their quality of life.

When a book makes a child laugh, it doesn't just entertain them—it builds a lifelong love for reading. One funny story i...
15/05/2026

When a book makes a child laugh, it doesn't just entertain them—it builds a lifelong love for reading. One funny story is often all it takes to turn a curious kid into a lifelong reader.

Book Aid International

Last week, we took a mindful nature walk just below the library, turning a simple stroll into a vibrant learning under t...
12/05/2026

Last week, we took a mindful nature walk just below the library, turning a simple stroll into a vibrant learning under the open sky. As we practiced crossing roads safely and being present in the moment, the children became tiny explorers—hunting for spiders and ants before discovering a ladybug that sparked a moment of pure wonder.
Back at the center, we took a quiet moment to reflect on everything we saw, smelled, heard and felt, hoping to show kids how much happiness can be found in the quite details of nature. Of course, that quiet didn't last long. We finished the day on the computers, and while mastering the mouse to paint was a bit of a challenge, the room was quickly full of giggles, peer learning, and that wonderful "happy loud" energy. It was a day that perfectly bridged the natural world with the digital one, leaving our library buzzing with excitement and creativity.

Just a regular saturday at the READ Center - a space where children come together to learn, connect and simply enjoy bei...
09/05/2026

Just a regular saturday at the READ Center - a space where children come together to learn, connect and simply enjoy being around one another. From friendly chess matches and domino games to reading books and working on school projects, the READ Center is always full of energy and curiosity. Some of these children spend hours here, making the most of a safe and welcoming space that inspires learning, creativity and friendship.

Every reader has a story — and at the Thimphu READ Center, we celebrate all of them.From our emergent readers taking the...
05/05/2026

Every reader has a story — and at the Thimphu READ Center, we celebrate all of them.

From our emergent readers taking their very first steps, to transitional readers building confidence, to our advanced bookworms diving deep — every child finds their place here, and their perfect book to match.

We're especially proud of our local language collection. Reading stories from our own culture, in our own language — stories closest to home are often the ones that stay with us longest.

Our reading at the afterschool program may seem quiet on the surface, but we believe it's quietly powerful. One book at a time, one story shared at a time: we're planting seeds for a ripple effect that will show up in classrooms, in confidence, and in futures we can't yet imagine.


Book Aid International

Our library members are turning their Sundays into a digital adventure through our weekly Computer Literacy and Coding c...
04/05/2026

Our library members are turning their Sundays into a digital adventure through our weekly Computer Literacy and Coding classes. For the next two weekends, 15 of our primary grade students will continue diving into the world of tech, mastering everything from basic skills to introductory coding through interactive virtual exercises. We are especially proud to collaborate with the talented high school students from the Singapore American School's READ Club, who have played a vital role in designing and facilitating these sessions. This partnership offers more than just technical training; it’s a powerful space for our members to build confidence and public speaking skills while forming meaningful friendships with international mentors.

At our Center, we believe that reading is the foundation of everything. When a child masters reading comprehension, they...
24/04/2026

At our Center, we believe that reading is the foundation of everything. When a child masters reading comprehension, they unlock the door to success in every school subject.

​Our goal is to help every child at the Center become a confident, skilled reader. By combining our daily reading sessions with "literary activities," we make sure the lessons are as fun as they are educational.

Yesterday and today, we dove into some fantastic stories followed by fun literary activities to make sure the magic of the book stays with them long after they leave.

​Helping our kids read well today so they can lead well tomorrow.

​ ​

Yesterday, our after-school group took advantage of the beautiful weather for a refreshing nature walk. Sometimes, ther...
24/04/2026

Yesterday, our after-school group took advantage of the beautiful weather for a refreshing nature walk. Sometimes, there is nothing better than a short stroll in the fresh air to clear the mind and reconnect with the outdoors.

We took a short stroll to enjoy the fresh air, appreciate our local environment, and practice the art of being observant.
​To capture the memories, the kids "developed" their own photos. Using paper camera roll cutouts, everyone drew three things that caught their eye during the walk—from tiny wildflowers to the vast afternoon sky.

​Sometimes, the best adventures are just a few steps away.

Why the Thimphu READ Center Afterschool Program Matters​We are currently hosting 12 energetic learners from Pre-Primary ...
21/04/2026

Why the Thimphu READ Center Afterschool Program Matters

​We are currently hosting 12 energetic learners from Pre-Primary to Grade 4, and the energy at the Center is incredible!
Our afterschool program is about more than just supervised time—it’s about building a stronger community.

​Here is why we do it:
♡. For our students, the Center is a safe, supervised space where they can dive into books, socialize with friends, and develop new skills in a positive environment.

♡. We believe that when mothers thrive, families thrive. This program allows working moms to focus fully on their professional lives, confident that their children are safe, productive, and learning.

​♡ By providing structured activities between school and home, we ensure that hour of a child's day is an opportunity for discovery.

​We are proud to see these kids grow together, reminding us why community spaces are so vital.

​

Yesterday, we were honored to welcome a group of monks and their English teacher from Mithrub Lhakhang in Hejo.​It was a...
19/04/2026

Yesterday, we were honored to welcome a group of monks and their English teacher from Mithrub Lhakhang in Hejo.

​It was a joy to see them explore our book collection and dive into basic computer skills through some fun online games. Our center is a safe space for everyone—from monks to children—to access learning opportunities that might otherwise be hard to find.
​Whether you want to get lost in a book, join a literacy program, or build your digital skills, our doors are open.
​
Membership fee starts at Nu. 250 for ages 12 & below, and Nu. 500 for ages 13 & up for one year. We are location in Jungshina, and open from Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

​Come be a part of our learning journey.

Yesterday, our young learners explored the world of shapes—recognizing, discussing, and applying their understanding thr...
08/04/2026

Yesterday, our young learners explored the world of shapes—recognizing, discussing, and applying their understanding through fun, hands-on activities. It’s always inspiring to see how naturally children connect learning with play. We also spent time engaging in games like Jenga, Uno, and puzzles, creating space for meaningful conversations while building confidence and strengthening vocabulary in a relaxed, supportive environment. The laughter and teamwork truly brought the space to life.
One of the highlights was our “Get to Know Your Friends” wall, where children drew pictures of themselves. This simple yet creative activity encouraged self-expression and helped them build connections with their peers.

Today, we moved into peer reading with the beautiful children’s book While We Can’t Hug by Eoin McLaughlin, followed by a creative activity where children made their own hedgehog and turtle—bringing the story to life through art.

This Afterschool Program is part of our broader effort to strengthen foundational literacy while also supporting working mothers. With many primary school children finishing their day at 2:00 pm, the program offers a safe, engaging space where children can continue learning, complete homework, and grow socially allowing parents to focus on their work with peace of mind.

Address

Jungshina
Thimphu

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11:00 - 17:00
Thursday 11:00 - 17:00
Friday 11:00 - 17:00
Saturday 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday 10:00 - 17:00

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