The McMillan Memorial Library has officially closed its doors to the public as it begins the first phase of a major restoration project aimed at preserving Nairobi's oldest library.
Book Bunk, which is the team behind the renovation, has stated that the closure will run from June to October 2026.
The restoration was divided into phases last year to allow urgent work on the historic building to start while fundraising efforts are open for the full rehabilitation programme.
“Those of you who have followed our journey know that this is a major milestone for Nairobi’s oldest library! Last year, we made the decision to break the project into phases to ensure that progress on the building can begin while we continue to raise funds for the full restoration,” Book Bunk says.
The first phase will address the library's most pressing structural challenges such as repairs to the roof and improvements to external drainage systems. The work is expected to protect the building from water damage and prevent flooding in the basement, which houses the library's valuable newspaper collection.
The project has been made possible through financial support from the Commonwealth Heritage Forum. In addition to funding the restoration works, the initiative will provide heritage preservation training for local artisans and construction workers through the Commonwealth Heritage Skills Programme.
The library also acknowledged the contribution of project partners Avanti Architecture, Mabati Rolling Mills, Ganesh Construction Company Limited and Brookhill Projects Limited, who have donated materials and technical expertise to support the restoration effort.
Further recognition was given to organisations and people who have contributed their time and expertise to the project over the past few years, like the British Council, White Arkitekter, CMAS, Space Planners Kenya and Sharjah World Book Capital 2019.
Library management said the current works represent only the first stage of a broader restoration plan. Future phases will include the transformation of the Children's Section and other improvements as additional funding becomes available.
The institution has appealed for public support, noting that it has already reached the halfway mark towards its fundraising target. Donations will help ensure the continued restoration and revitalisation of the historic library.
Book Bunk was co-founded by Wanjiru Koinange and Angela Wachuka in 2017 aims to restore libraries. They encouraged library users to visit the Eastlands and Kaloleni libraries, which they have renovated in recent years.