Nairobi's Newest Libraries
Step inside Kaloleni and Eastland Library and learn about their educational programmes.
Green spaces at newly renovated Kaloleni Library (2023-05-07) by Bill MugandaBook Bunk
Kaloleni Library's New Look
Book Bunk began the restoration of Kaloleni Library, a branch of McMillan Memorial Library, in March 2020 at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting shutdowns.
Kaloleni Library after the renovation (2021-04-19) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Kaloleni Library
After months of renovation work, Kaloleni Library was reopened in June 2020.
Kaloleni Library after the renovation (2021-04-19) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Kaloleni Library
The renovation involved recycling and repurposing items, including tiles, shelves and furniture.
Kaloleni Library after the renovation (2021-04-19) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Kaloleni Library
The restoration plans, focusing on children, involved the installation of washroom facilities, introducing a landscaped garden and giving the library a general facelift.
Kaloleni Library after the renovation (2021-04-19) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Kaloleni Library
The process also included updating the library collection and providing access to free WiFi.
Eastlands Library after renovation (2022-07-02) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Eastlands Library
After the successful restoration of Kaloleni Library, Book Bunk took on Eastlands Library.
Eastlands Library after renovation (2022-07-02) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Eastlands Library
The Eastlands Library renovation included adding a performance space and a dance studio while still prioritising the library’s core functions.
Eastlands Library after renovation (2022-07-02) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Eastlands Library
Back office space was created at Eastlands Library.
Eastlands Library after renovation (2022-07-02) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Eastlands Library
Free WiFi is also now available at this location.
Eastlands Library after renovation (2022-07-02) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Eastlands Library
Room for play was created through a lifesize chess board.
Eastlands Library after renovation (2022-07-02) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Eastlands Library
The renovation included the removal of asbestos and the addition of a large outdoor terrace.
Eastlands Library after renovation (2022-07-02) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Eastlands Library
A public call out was made to area artists who installed artwork at the location.
The transformation of these libraries into Palaces for The People has introduced exciting new programming strands such as acoustic sessions, Play Bunk (featuring Lego bricks for kids!), NBO Litfest (a literary festival), Hepa Jam! (homework clubs with tutors at hand), Music Bunk (a music programme for teens) and much more!
Programmes and events held at the newly renovated libraries (2022-07-09) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Play Bunk
This programme, run by Book Bunk, encourages library users to step away from their desks and play! Kaloleni and Eastlands libraries have several recreational activities such as LEGO Bricks, board games and more, and users are encouraged to use these facilities.
Programmes and events held at the newly renovated kaloleni libraries (2021-10-08) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Storytelling at the Library
The imaginations of young library users are stimulated by hosting various oral storytelling sessions.
Programmes and events held at the newly renovated libraries (2022-04-14) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Music, Dance and Art Classes
Community-based coaches teach these classes, and children learn about self-expression, release stress and build confidence in safe spaces!
Live music set by Ketebul Music (2022-05-21) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Live Performances at the Library
The newly refurbished McMillan Memorial Library branches play host to several live performances.
In late 2020, Book Bunk began digitising the unique archive housed in the McMillan Memorial Library. The digitised items are accessible here. The Missing Bits project seeks to build an audio and image archive of crowd-sourced stories from the library communities. Public members are invited to visit the libraries to record conversations about crucial moments in Kenya’s history to balance out the content in the McMillan Memorial Library.
Digitisation exercise at McMillan Memorial Library (2021-11-15) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Digitisation at the Library
Book Bunk digitising the endangered archive at the McMillan Memorial Library.
The Missing Bits project by Book Bunk (2022-05-21) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Public Exhibitions Events
Pictured is an exhibition inspired by the McMillan Memorial Library archive.
The Missing Bits project by Book Bunk (2022-03-24) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Digitise at Home
To sensitise the public about digitisation, members of the public are encouraged to get their precious items digitised at the library alongside being taught at-home digitisation skills.
The Missing Bits project by Book Bunk (2022-04-23) by Paul MuneneBook Bunk
Crowdsourced Stories
Library community members recording oral histories that enrich the McMillan Memorial Library archive.
