The Polkadot Library

Our mission is to instill the love of reading in underprivileged children, and promote gender equality in education. This was my home. We can help change that.

Hi, I’m Chris and the founder of The Polkadot Library in Kabarnet, Kenya! From 2011 to 2013, I lived in a beautiful little town in the Kerio Valley of Kenya called Kabarnet. As a Peace Corps volunteer, the people of the Kalenjin Tribe quickly welcomed me as their friend, neighbor, and family. Children make up almost half of the city’s population. But even with 20 schools, Kabarnet has only one lib

rary. It isn’t free, the books are worn and outdated, and older students are given priority, leaving the youngest children with nothing. The story of Kabarnet isn’t just about a lack of resources, though. It’s about the limited potential that stunts the community from the bottom up and lasts for generations. How? A library. And not just any library—but a community space with solar power, stacks of books, computers, meeting areas, and a thriving garden. All this in and around a 40-foot shipping container covered in purple paint and hundreds of bright, pink polka dots.

$60,000 will make it happen. The money will go towards building and stocking the library, shipping it to Kenya, and planting the garden. You can help make a contribution on our Indiegogo campaign page. Once built, this space will be completely sustainable. The garden serves as an eco-learning project, teaching nutrition, crop rotations, and more. Then profits raised from produce will be invested back into the library’s staffing and maintenance. We’re so close! The planning is done. A company in Texas has designed the container. The land is secured. And the Kenyan government is fully invested in the idea. But we really need your help to make it happen. Want to donate $5,000? Amazing! $50? Also amazing. Every little bit makes a difference. And with it, you’ll get a handwritten thank-you note from a child, or a polka dot with your name on it. I hope you’ll join me. This is a chance to lift up the town’s youngest and most curious minds. A chance to create a brighter future for Kenya. Ready to help build The Polkadot Library? Stay tuned for more information!