THE STORY – Two intrepid Nairobi women decide to transform what used to be a whites-only library until 1958 into a vibrant cultural hub. Along the way, they must navigate local politics, raise millions for the rebuild, and confront the lingering ghosts of Kenya’s colonial past.
THE CAST – N/A
THE TEAM – Maia Lekow & Christopher King (Directors/Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 103 Minutes
A library isn’t just a building full of old books; it’s an archive of history, a tool for future education, and an opportunity to rewrite the narrative. Shiro and Wachuka are on a journey of undertaking an incredibly monumental task: transforming libraries – historic buildings that hold Kenya’s colonial past within their walls – into vibrant, inclusive cultural hubs of learning and community. In “How to Build a Library,” directors Maia Lekow and Christopher King unravel layers of personal ambition, cultural restoration, and political struggle while blending history with the present in a story of transformation that feels both urgent and deeply human.
Nairobi’s McMillan Memorial Library was built in 1931 by a British-American settler family and remained a whites-only space until 1958. It was filled with books written by white men and portraits of white men hanging from its walls. In its current state, the library symbolizes colonialism, not just in its architecture but also in its literature – a reflection of the painful past that continues to shape Kenyan society. For Shiro and Wachuka, this library embodies both a historical burden and a potential for reclamation. Their mission to decolonize this space is more than a physical renovation: A reclamation of Kenyan identity.
Shiro, a writer with a deep understanding of the importance of literature, and Wachuka, who resigned to dedicate herself fully to this passion project, take center stage as the leaders behind this revitalization. Their determination is palpable throughout, but so are the frustrations, the moments of doubt, and the personal toll this mission takes on them. The documentary provides us with glimpses of their lives, with a particular focus on Wachuka. It’s fascinating to watch her reflect on her relationship with African literature, especially the irony she expresses in the film about reading more African authors while studying in London than she ever did in Kenya.
While the documentary shines in showing the painstaking, often slow work that goes into revamping a library – digitizing the catalog and clearing out the old books – it also reveals the challenges of navigating Kenya’s complex political environment. The project becomes deeply politicized, and Shiro and Wachuka find themselves fighting not just for funding but also against a bureaucracy that feels far removed from their vision. The government’s dysfunction is on full display, and the film subtly suggests that the structural remnants of colonialism persist within Kenya’s political systems, a point that could have been explored in greater depth.
Historical footage is woven throughout the film, tying the narrative of the past to that of the present in a way that feels deliberate and powerful. The decision to toss out the colonial-era books and imagery in favor of a more diverse, African-centered library collection becomes a metaphor for independence. McMillan Memorial Library, once a symbol of oppression, is being transformed into a space of education, self-determination, and cultural pride. It’s a quiet revolution unfolding within the walls of a neglected institution.
The tension between the women and the librarians who work in these spaces also adds a layer of complexity to the story. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the occasional clashes of opinion, showing how Shiro and Wachuka’s bold ideas sometimes run up against the more conservative approaches of the library staff. There’s an intriguing dynamic here; on one hand, you see the librarians’ loyalty to where they work, and on the other, Shiro and Wachuka’s desire to transform this workplace in new ways.
“How to Build a Library” captures a long and painstaking process quite powerfully but also leaves us wanting more in terms of Shiro’s story and how her and Wachuka’s friendship has evolved throughout this whole process. Ultimately, the film presents a powerful story of resilience, passion, and the desire to give future generations the tools they need to write their own narratives. “How to Build a Library” shows how deeply a culture can be shaped by the stories it tells – and how powerful it is to rewrite them.
