Book Bunk Trust
The Pitch
Book Bunk is restoring Nairobi's historic public libraries into vibrant, inclusive civic spaces that expand access to knowledge, public services and community life while strengthening social inclusion, well-being and urban belonging.
The Problem
Decades of underinvestment left Nairobi's public libraries neglected, inaccessible and underutilized. At the same time, a rapidly growing and youthful population lacked safe, inclusive public spaces for learning, civic participation and community connection, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.
The Process
- Partnered with Nairobi City County in 2018 to restore, reimagine and manage the city's historic public libraries
- Began restoration of Kaloleni and Eastlands Libraries, preserving historic architecture while upgrading facilities to improve accessibility and sustainability
- Conducted extensive community engagement to ensure residents helped shape the design, programming and future of restored libraries
- Expanded libraries beyond book lending by introducing free programs in arts, culture, education, wellness, digital literacy and youth development
- Launched initiatives including Play Bunk, Dance Bunk, Music Bunk, Theatre Bunk, Green Bunk and library-based health clinics to address educational, cultural, environmental and health needs
- Improved accessibility by expanding Braille collections, large-print materials and inclusive design
- Produced Kenya's first national accessibility assessment of public libraries Integrated environmental sustainability through solar energy, rainwater harvesting, community gardens, tree planting and environmental education
- Developed a replicable model that combines heritage preservation, community programming, research and public-private partnerships to strengthen civic infrastructure
The Impact
- Restored two historic public libraries, increasing patronage by 250% and serving more than 192,000 library users
- Engaged more than 45,000 people through free programs in education, arts, digital literacy, health and community development
- Created 93 jobs, including 21 permanent positions
- Supported more than 400 local vendors, contractors and small businesses
- Distributed more than 140,000 free meals, helping reduce barriers to learning and supporting children and families
- Digitized nearly 400,000 archival records and expanded public access to thousands of historical collections documenting Kenya's history
- Mapped 1,196 libraries across Kenya, producing the country's first comprehensive library ecosystem research
- Inspired other library restoration and civic infrastructure initiatives across Kenya through sharing of open-access research, community engagement frameworks and restoration methodologies
