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How to Build a Library

Play trailer How to Build a Library 2025 1h 43m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.

Critics Reviews

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Dwight Brown DwightBrownInk.com An inspiring documentary that follows a grassroots, community-building project. Rated: 2.5/4 Feb 26, 2025 Full Review Murtada Elfadl Variety "..these offer glimpses into a wider story but never cohere into a full narrative. The focus remains on the charismatic protagonists who have lots of good intentions. But the community they are supposed to be serving never comes to life.” Feb 7, 2025 Full Review Monica Castillo RogerEbert.com Provokes an interesting conversation about decolonizing institutions but doesn’t fully unpack the subject. Jan 31, 2025 Full Review KT Mahe For Your Reference Podcast While the contradiction of a colonial funded decolonised space deserves its own conversation, the biggest frustration was not offering enough perspectives. Almost as if to lead the audience to believe the means justifies the ends. Rated: 2.5/5 Jun 17, 2025 Full Review Sara Clements Next Best Picture “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. Rated: 7/10 Feb 25, 2025 Full Review Pat Mullen POV Magazine Who knew that such drama could be found in the Dewey Decimal System? Feb 3, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Chris King

Director

Maia Lekow

Director

Maia Lekow

Screenwriter

Chris King

Screenwriter

Ricardo Acosta

Screenwriter

Maia Lekow

Producer

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How to Build a Library

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Movie Info

Synopsis 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.
Director
Chris King, Maia Lekow
Producer
Maia Lekow, Chris King
Screenwriter
Maia Lekow, Chris King, Ricardo Acosta
Production Co
Circle and Square Productions, Fork Films
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 43m