A LIBRARY of the works of the well-known author Thawtar Swe (1919-1995) will open in Paungde township in Bago Division, his birthplace, later this year.

U Thein Lwin, who is running the project in the spirit of the proverb “opening a library is closing a jail”, wants to share knowledge of the author with the younger generation in the town as well as to commemorate the author. The library will offer literary lectures, discussions and occasional events.

In addition to his books, the library will contain other mementos of Thawtar Swe, including transcripts, photos, personal effects and a record of his achievements in Myanmar literature. It will also provide textbooks, reference books for grades 1 to 11 and other literature.

The collection will be housed in the restored library that Thawtar Swe built at Jotepin village in Paungde. Standing before it is a bust of the author and a stone tablet with a brief biography.

“We focus on the better education and life for the residents because most of them are farmers without advanced education. We think the library would be very beneficial for the local people,” U Thein Lwin said. He also hopes to encourage young people to become writers.

“We are now collecting his books and others for the library. We hope to open after monsoon,” he said.

Anyone who wants to donate the works of Thawtar Swe, keepsakes, records or files is welcome to visit the committee at 263 Seikkan Thar Street, Kyauktada township, Yangon, or at Jotepin village in Paungde, Bago Division, or to phone 709-191 or 09-50-75707.