Models for Urban Transformation: Book Bunk in Nairobi
Listen to Angela Wachuka of the Book Bunk Trust explain how their initiative has restored public libraries into "Palaces for the People"
Angela Wachuka of the Book Bunk Trust explains how her team has restored and reimagined Nairobi’s libraries as inclusive civic hubs that support learning, health, creativity, and environmental resilience in dense urban neighborhoods. Decades of neglect and underinvestment had left the city’s public libraries derelict and inaccessible, depriving many communities of safe spaces for learning and social connection.
Working in partnership with Nairobi City County, Book Bunk has undertaken extensive community engagement to guide restorations that address both social and physical barriers to access. The revitalized libraries have become anchors of public life, with expanded access to educational and social services driving a 250% increase in usage. Beyond these sites, the initiative has mapped more than 1,000 locations for potential transformation across Kenya.
This presentation was recorded as part of the Hixon Center's 2026 Practitioner Workshop with the 2025-2026 WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities Finalists.