Gala 2020 – Book Bunk

The Book Bunk

We build libraries.

Bunkers,

Our library tours via Airbnb are back! Join us for an immersion into #NRBLibraries, learning about these libraries’ history and all sorts of possible futures. All proceeds from these tours are poured back into our library restoration work so by booking a slot, you help us do what we do! We’ve added some new features to the tours so head on over and book here: https://airbnb.com/bookbunk

P.S.: Due to Covid19 regulations, group tours will be limited to a maximum of 15pax, so hurry along and book your spot!

View on Facebook

The Book Bunk

We found this photograph that seems to be Lucie McMillan, William Northrup McMillan’s wife! The photo carries no accompanying caption or description.

We have found many photographs of this nature in our collection. Question is; how do you accurately describe a photograph without context? Share your tips and tricks. We’d also love to know how other archivists navigate this issue!

📸 Syokau Mutonga
📍 Eastlands Library

*******
In February 2021, we completed digitisation of approx. 21,840 items housed at the McMillan Memorial Library. These items had been identified as some of the rarest and most endangered items in the library due to the impact of climate change. SInce then, we have identified more of these endangered items and we are now scaling our digitisation work to include photographs and newspaper collections. These items highlight significant moments in Kenya’s history during its pre, post and colonial era. Head on over to: http://bit.ly/NRBLibrariesArchive and access archived materials online! #NRBLibraries

2 View on Facebook

The Book Bunk

As we digitise these photographs and glass plate negatives, we are also correcting their descriptions on accompanying metadata sheets. Take a look-see at this photograph, described as Mombasa. This is actually Londiani in the Rift Valley.

Such is the work of digitising!

📸 Syokau Mutonga
📍 Eastlands Library

*******
In February 2021, we completed digitisation of approx. 21,840 items housed at the McMillan Memorial Library. These items had been identified as some of the rarest and most endangered items in the library due to the impact of climate change. Since then, we have identified more of these endangered items and we are now scaling our digitisation work to include photographs and newspaper collections. These items highlight significant moments in Kenya’s history. Visit http://bit.ly/NRBLibrariesArchive to access material online!

View on Facebook

The Book Bunk

We found a collection of over 200 glass plate negatives of photographs from Naivasha and another from a sports club in Nanyuki. According to the limited information we have collected about them, they were taken in the early 1900s and donated to the library before the 1960s. There was no accompanying catalogue found with the negatives. Over time, some of these negatives have been damaged due to breakage or mould and we are digitising to protect them from further loss. So far, these photographs document Kenya in pre-colonial and colonial times. Check out some of the plate negatives and a sample from this archive.

📸 Syokau Mutonga
📍 Eastlands Library

*******
In February 2021, we completed digitisation of approx. 21,840 items housed at the McMillan Memorial Library. These items had been identified as some of the rarest and most endangered items in the library due to the impact of climate change. Since then, we have identified more of these endangered items and we are now scaling our digitisation work to include photographs and newspaper collections. These items highlight significant moments in Kenya’s history. Visit http://bit.ly/NRBLibrariesArchive to access our material online!

View on Facebook

The Book Bunk

We are are still digitising archives at #NRBLibraries. We use nitrile gloves when handling these negatives as they are fragile, and clean them on a flat surface. We add information including descriptions and then upload them for your use on nrblibraries-archive.org

📸 Syokau Mutonga
📍 Eastlands Library

*******
In February 2021, we completed digitisation of approx. 21,840 items housed at the McMillan Memorial Library. These items had been identified as some of the rarest and most endangered items in the library due to the impact of climate change. Since then, we have identified more of these endangered items and we are now scaling our digitisation work to include photographs and newspaper collections. These items highlight significant moments in Kenya’s history. Visit http://bit.ly/NRBLibrariesArchive to access material online!

View on Facebook

The Book Bunk

Ever wondered, what are the stories of the libraries we’ve revamped? How did they come to be? Well, listen in to episode two of our podcast, A Palace For The People, as we dig into Kaloleni’s history and how it’s tied to the library. You may also hear some familiar voices in this episode, so tune in!

Link: http://bit.ly/APFTP

*******
A Palace For The People, lovingly crafted in Nairobi is an 8-part podcast series unearthing pieces of Nairobi’s history that support and feed the restoration process of the McMillan Memorial Library and its branches in Makadara and Kaloleni. #NRBLibraries

If you haven't yet, listen to previous episodes of the podcast on our website here: http://bit.ly/APFTP

View on Facebook

A Night At The Library

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again! Our annual fundraising gala- A Night At The Library, is back on 11th December 2020! This evening showcases the public libraries we have been working to restore in Kaloleni, Makadara and the CBD. We engage with audiences and lovers of public spaces, and raise funds as well as crucial partnerships that make this groundbreaking work restoring #NRBLibraries possible.

Thanks to your support, we raised KES 3.4M in 2019 in unrestricted funds, launched our individual and corporate giving programme – Friends of Book Bunk – and made wonderful connections with individuals and entities who have supported our work restoring the Kaloleni Library and the Eastlands Library in Makadara this year!

Due to the Covid19 pandemic and resultant limitations on public gatherings, we have to do things differently this year. We are thankful to be bringing our gala experience to your home, and look forward to you joining us for our first-ever digital edition of the gala. It is a Mask-A-Rade! A virtual experience filled with stories and other experiences that celebrate our city and its public spaces, live from the iconic McMillan Memorial Library!

Virtual Meet & Greet

Presenting for the first time, our Virtual Meet & Greet sessions! These are an exclusive opportunity to have a brief 1-on-1 conversation with a diverse group of artists, entrepreneurs, professionals and thought leaders. This incredible group of luminaries continue to inspire our teams here at Book Bunk and we encourage you to purchase a conversation with them, for yourself, a colleague or loved one. We’re grateful to them for donating their time to us, for the benefit of Nairobi’s libraries!

Our Sponsors, Partners & Friends, Thank you.

For more information on how to join us as a donor, partner or friend of Book Bunk

Talk to Us