Black and White photo of an enraptured audience
Credit: Seun Pinheiro

How to Build a Library

A screening of the acclaimed documentary followed by Q&A.

About How to Build a Library

Black and White photo of an enraptured audience
Credit: Seun Pinheiro

'Do these ladies know what they're getting into...?'

Anyone who has ever campaigned for community action will recognise that comment, and will feel this movie every inch of the way. HOW TO BUILD A LIBRARY (directed by Maia Lekow and Christopher King) is an inspiring and acclaimed documentary that follows two tenacious Nairobi women, Shiro Koinange and Angela Wachuka, who decide to transform what used to be a whites-only library into a vibrant cultural hub. Along the way they have to navigate local politics, raise millions for the rebuild, and confront the lingering ghosts of Kenya’s colonial past.

 

The screening will be followed by a Q&A session, with speakers to be announced shortly.

Your support

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Venue and bar opening times

This is an in-person only event in the British Library Knowledge Centre. 

The Knowledge Centre and bar open from 18.00. 

Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event.  If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk

Concessions

There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for British Library Members, Young Persons (16–25s), and visitors on Universal/Pension Credit and free entry for carers.

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Dates and times