How to Build a Library

Description

Motivated by their strong admiration for literature, two women embark on a bold mission to decolonize downtown Nairobi’s formerly whites-only McMillan Memorial Library. Faced with decades of neglect, outdated books, and the lingering ghosts of Kenya’s colonial past, Shiro and Wachuka take on the seemingly impossible tasks of renovating the space, redefining the library’s purpose, and reshaping access to knowledge. Over the course of eight years, they navigate bureaucratic resistance, fundraising hurdles, and difficult questions about which histories should be preserved. Directors Maia Lekow and Chris King capture the women’s journey with a precise observational lens, revealing the deeper struggle of reclaiming identity in post-colonial Kenya. Beyond its depiction of the library’s physical restoration, the documentary is a powerful exploration of legacy, culture, and the urgent need to redefine public spaces in a way that truly reflects the communities they serve. —Amir George

Film Details