Book Bunk transforms dilapidated libraries into creative hubs for underserved communities. We do this through the architectural restoration of libraries, provision of collections and resources, preservation of cultural heritage and delivery of programmes focused on arts education, skills development and lifelong learning. Our comprehensive restoration approach addresses architectural, social, experiential and digital needs through community participation. Since formalising a first-of-its-kind partnership with City County in 2018 to lead the restoration of public libraries, we’ve restored two of three historic libraries, increasing patronage by 250%. We served 45,326 library users in 2024; and have to date digitised 396,849 archives, served 39,000+ programme participants, added 19,000 new titles, and created braille translations of key works by African authors.  A documentary film about our work premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025 and A Palace for The People, our podcast series, explores archival materials that connect our library restoration work to Kenya’s history. Our digital archive platform democratises access to historically significant materials including colonial-era documents, and we crowd-source indigenous knowledge to add to this through public call-outs.  Nairobi Litfest, our annual literary festival, is co-presented with Hay Festival Global.

Our current strategic goals include: increasing library foot traffic and audience engagement by over 500% by 2027, launching lending services in key library sites, expanding our programming to reach 1 million people, and delivering new services that address pressing needs in employment, safety, and health. 

We have now completed all the necessary assessments of McMillan Memorial Library (Nairobi’s oldest, opened in 1931), secured permissions from all relevant authorities for the proposed restoration plan of this gazetted building and are now actively fundraising for its restoration costs.