The Future McMillan Memorial Library
Learn about the plan to restore Nairobi's Oldest Public Library.
The McMillan Memorial Library front facade (2020-05-24) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
McMillan Memorial Library
McMillan Memorial Library is located in Nairobi, Kenya and was built between 1929 - 1931. The building, constructed in the neoclassical style, has a strong cultural heritage and is protected by an Act of Parliament; The McMillan Memorial Act Cap 217 of 1938 (revised in 2012).
Overview of the proposed renovation of the McMillan Memorial Library (2022) by Book BunkBook Bunk
Having fully restored two public libraries, Book Bunk is currently fundraising for its third and biggest project yet - the restoration McMillan Memorial Library. The proposed amendments are designed to widen the library's accessibility parameters, promote user safety, increase energy efficiency, advance the library's sustainability and enhance it potential as a cite where residents can experience arts and culture.
Render of proposed renovations to the first floor of the McMillan Memrial Library (2022) by Book BunkBook Bunk
The proposed renovation of the building's first floor seeks to expand outdoor library space by creating two new roof terraces. These will be accessible to all users, via a new elevator which will be installed on the rear end of the building.
The first floor will continue to house the reference collections, including the Africana collection, which in the 1940's and 50's was the largest of its kind in the world. This is a glory Book Bunk hopes to someday restore.
Proposed alterations of the for ground level of the McMillan Memorial Library (2022) by Book BunkBook Bunk
We envision the ground floor as the most flexible section of the library. The layout of this space will allow the library to shape shift as much as it needs to to accommodate a myriad of functions as demonstrated below:
Render of the McMillan Memorial Library configured as a lecture/concert space (2022) by Book BunkBook Bunk
Render of the McMillan Memorial Library configured as a library/study area (2022) by Book BunkBook Bunk
Render of the McMillan Memorial Library configured as a dinner/banquet space (2022) by Book BunkBook Bunk
Render of the McMillan Memorial Library configured as an exhibition space (2022) by Book BunkBook Bunk
Render of the lower ground floor of the McMillan Memorial Library (2022) by Book BunkBook Bunk
The McMillan Memorial Library's lower ground floor renovation would see the establishment of an office and staff area and specialized storage for the huge archive housed at the library that contains photographs, newspapers and more dating back to the 1800s.
Render of an external elevator and emergency staircase (2022) by Book BunkBook Bunk
The suggested changes include installing an elevator and fire escape staircase at the back of the library building.
Render of cafe and washroom facilities (2022) by Book BunkBook Bunk
Library renders are provided by White Architects.
