The Book Bunk

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The Book Bunk We transform public libraries into Palaces For The People. https://linktr.ee/BookBunk We build libraries.

🎬 Here’s another chance to catch the award-winning documentary How to Build a Library.Our friends over at Mom3ntum Fitne...
16/10/2026

🎬 Here’s another chance to catch the award-winning documentary How to Build a Library.

Our friends over at Mom3ntum Fitness are hosting a special screening next Friday at Rivaan Centre, in support of the mission to restore McMillan Memorial Library.

🍿 Here are the details:

📅 Friday, 23rd October
⏰ 7:00 PM
🎟️ KES 1,000 (limited tickets available)

Book your spot via M-Pesa on 0716 285 421.

Tag a friend to come along or share this with your network! 🍿

For several weeks, McMillan Memorial Library’s ongoing restoration became a working classroom, with each stage of Phase ...
15/10/2026

For several weeks, McMillan Memorial Library’s ongoing restoration became a working classroom, with each stage of Phase One repairs offering hands-on lessons in heritage conservation.

Last week, the first cohort of 23 students and builders completed their training. Bringing together participants from architecture, civil engineering, construction, carpentry and photography, the programme explored McMillan’s heritage value, the importance of protecting original features, and the practical work involved in restoring a 95-year-old building.

We are grateful to the Commonwealth Heritage Forum for funding Phase One of the restoration, including this training, and to Brookhill Projects Limited and Avanti Architects for sharing their expertise and helping deliver the programme. Special thanks to our friends at Buildher, whose collaboration brought women training in construction into the cohort.

When McMillan Memorial Library closed for restoration in June, we began with urgent roof repairs and drainage works to p...
09/10/2026

When McMillan Memorial Library closed for restoration in June, we began with urgent roof repairs and drainage works to protect Nairobi’s oldest public library from further water damage.

With phase one now nearing completion, we’re preparing for the next phase: transforming the Children’s Section, building an external ablution block and creating a children’s playground.

Thanks to supporters on M-Changa, alongside contributions from institutional partners, we’ve raised approximately 57% of our KES 25 million target for the Children’s Section!

Now, we need your help to get to 100%.

Every contribution counts.

Donate via M-Changa. Link in bio. 💛

A look back at the WRI Ross Center awards ceremony, where Book Bunk was recognised as a Cycle 5 finalist for our work ...
01/10/2026

A look back at the WRI Ross Center awards ceremony, where Book Bunk was recognised as a Cycle 5 finalist for our work restoring Nairobi’s public
libraries.

It was an honour to share our work alongside projects transforming cities around the world. Now, applications are open for the sixth cycle, and we know there are many
more projects working to make cities better.

Are you working to make your city better, or know someone who is? We encourage you to apply or share this opportunity with a team whose work deserves recognition.

Apply by 13 January 2027 at PrizeforCities.org

Follow WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities Center for Sustainable Cities for more information.

Earlier this year, the Eastlands Library community expressed an interest in learning Kenyan Sign Language (KSL). And we ...
26/09/2026

Earlier this year, the Eastlands Library community expressed an interest in learning Kenyan Sign Language (KSL). And we made room for it as part of programming at .

Over three months, 46 participants showed up to learn, practise and communicate in new ways, eventually marking the end of the programme with a graduation at the library.

As we mark International Week of Deaf People, we’re reminded that accessibility in our public libraries goes beyond the physical spaces we build. It is also about listening to the communities that use them and creating programming that responds to their needs.

Congratulations to everyone who completed the classes, and thank you to the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and Theirworld for making them possible, and Handlanguage Kenya for guiding our learners.

17/09/2026

In 2012, Book Bunk founders Wanjiru Koinange and Angela Wachuka walked into McMillan Memorial Library and found Nairobi’s oldest library in a state of disrepair.

In 2017, Book Bunk was founded, and we began working to restore the city’s historic public libraries into vibrant, inclusive spaces for their communities.

McMillan is now our third and most ambitious library restoration project yet.

And here’s how you can be part of it:
💛 Donate via M-Changa: https://www.mchanga.africa/fundraiser/123953 or via M-Pesa 👇
Paybill: 891300
Account: KIDS

Many thanks to the Commonwealth Heritage Forum for making this phase of the restoration possible and supporting heritage building skills training for local artisans and construction workers.

🎥: Twaweza Communications

For 95 years, McMillan Memorial Library has stood at the heart of Nairobi.But its history has not always been one of inc...
10/09/2026

For 95 years, McMillan Memorial Library has stood at the heart of Nairobi.

But its history has not always been one of inclusion. When it opened in 1931, African readers were excluded. In 1958, that changed, and McMillan opened its doors to all.

Today, we’re restoring the library for the generations to come.

Phase one is already underway, with repairs to the roof and drainage helping protect the building from further water damage. Once the building is watertight, the Children’s Section comes next.

We want to create a safe, welcoming space where Nairobi’s children can read, learn, create and discover.

Hundreds of supporters have already joined the restoration. You can be part of it too.

Donate via M-Changa: https://www.mchanga.africa/fundraiser/123953

When restoration works began at McMillan Memorial Library in June, the team encountered an unexpected challenge on the r...
01/09/2026

When restoration works began at McMillan Memorial Library in June, the team encountered an unexpected challenge on the roof. Pigeons had made the roof their home, and decades of accumulated bird waste had built up across the surface.

The quantity was significant enough to pose a structural concern: the weight was pressing down on the ceiling of the Africana Room.

Clearing the roof therefore became an important part of making the building safe from further damage. But first, the birds needed somewhere to go. Heritage conservation students training on site built a temporary bird house to accommodate them while the roof was cleared, before they were relocated to a new habitat.

The clean-up yielded approximately 1,900 kg of bird waste. After being tested for safety, it will be donated to a farm and used in the gardens at Eastlands and Kaloleni libraries.

Clearly, historic buildings accumulate more than history.

📸 © lukhovi + projects
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With the roof and drainage underway, the Children’s Section is next. Help us make it safe for the next generation. Donate via M-Changa: https://www.mchanga.africa/fundraiser/123953

✨ SAVE THE DATE!On Saturday, 14 November 2026, A Night at The Library returns to McMillan Memorial Library for its 7th e...
11/08/2026

✨ SAVE THE DATE!

On Saturday, 14 November 2026, A Night at The Library returns to McMillan Memorial Library for its 7th edition, and this year, we have even more reason to celebrate.

McMillan is turning 95, and after years of planning, repair works are finally underway. 🎉

The night features a red carpet reception, gala dinner, live performances, an art auction and a raffle, all in support of

Want to be part of making the evening possible? Sponsorship, group tables, raffle contributions and other partnership opportunities are available.

📩 [email protected] to explore partnership opportunities.

Address

Eastlands Library
Nairobi
254

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+254714258474

Website

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