#KeCultureLives in Book Bunk 

Nairobi is steeped in history, and at its heart stands the McMillan Memorial Library, the oldest of the city’s libraries and the second oldest in Kenya. This architectural gem not only reflects the rich history of the nation but also houses a vast catalogue of books that speak to the intellectual wealth of generations. Yet, there was a point in time when this fountain of knowledge was on the brink of being lost in the sands of time. 

At the time of its establishment in 1931, McMillan Library was a space primarily reserved for the European population, epitomizing the racial segregation policies of the time. Although the landscape of gradually changed with the end of colonial rule, the notion of social class persisted, leaving many Kenyans feeling unwelcome in the McMillan Library, which was theoretically open to all. Over the years, the library also suffered from inadequate manpower and maintenance, and its collections began falling into disrepair. Yet, it remained a cultural centre where literary and cultural events were celebrated.  

The transformative journey of the McMillan Memorial Library and the birth of The Book Bunk began when publisher Angela Wachuka and writer Wanjiru Koinange were in search of a venue to host an event for the Kwani? Literary Festival. They believed that the McMillan Library, with its central location and historical significance, would be the ideal venue. However, when they set foot inside, they were met with the disheartening sight of the library in a state of disrepair. The neoclassical architecture that had once graced its interiors was fading, the floors and walls were in ruinous condition, and its collections were left to gather dust. 

Although they eventually found an alternative venue for the event, Wachuka and Koinange’s encounter with the McMillan Library was the spark that ignited a fire of restoration. They delved into the library’s history and its management structure, leading them to make a life-changing decision. They left their jobs to focus full-time on restoring this cultural jewel.  

In 2017, The Book Bunk was officially founded as a testament to their dedication to restoring the McMillan Library and redefining its role in Kenyan society. One of their discoveries during this research was that the McMillan Library was the first in a series of libraries established in Nairobi during colonial times. Unfortunately, only two of these libraries, the Makadara and Kaloleni libraries, were still open. 

In 2018, Book Bunk formed a partnership with the Nairobi city administration and focused its restoration efforts on these smaller libraries, addressing the needs of the communities they served. These libraries have now become vibrant hubs for storytelling sessions, film screenings, music performances, literary festivals, and places where young minds can do their homework and participate in creative workshops to harness their talents. 

Another one of the notable initiatives of Book Bunk is the digitization of the McMillan Library’s extensive collection of over 137,000 books. This not only preserves the valuable literary heritage but also opens up new possibilities for accessing knowledge in a digital age. 

To sustain their efforts and celebrate the libraries’ cultural significance, Book Bunk introduced an annual gala named “A Night At the Library.” This gala serves as a fundraiser for their library restoration work and seeks to remind the community that libraries can be hotspots for glamour and culture. The inaugural gala in 2019 was a breathtaking journey back in time with the theme “1930’s fashion,” attempting to recreate the original opening of the McMillan Library in 1931.  

Restoring public libraries, as Book Bunk rightly believes, is not just about books but an opportunity to break down barriers that divide communities along socio-economic, ethnic, racial, and religious lines. It’s about rekindling the spirit of inclusion, learning, and culture in a nation that is evolving. With passion and dedication, Book Bunk is leading the way, ensuring that the cultural heart of Kenya remains vibrant and accessible to all, just as it should be.