‘How to Build a Library’ Review: Compassionate but Uneven Documentary Tracks the Reinvention of a Colonial Era Library in Kenya

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How can one address the lingering impacts of colonialism on African indigenous communities even decades after many nations on the continent achieved independence? The documentary “How to Build a Library,” directed by Maia Lekow and Christopher King, offers an approach that is direct, systematic, and unyielding. Their film chronicles the efforts of two Kenyan women who strive to revitalize a crumbling library from the colonial era in the heart of Nairobi. This monumental task requires perseverance, determination, and a readiness to confront history’s complexities. Lekow and King employ similar tactics in their filmmaking endeavor; however, their undertaking remains too expansive and intricate for simple solutions.

In 2018, Shiro (a writer) and Wachuka (a publisher) began working on revitalizing the McMillian Library, a historically significant library constructed by British settlers and now government-owned. The library was in a terrible state. Their goal was to modernize it so that it could serve contemporary Kenyans effectively. To achieve this, they had to decide what aspects of Kenya’s colonial past under British rule to discard and what to preserve. The vast majority of the books, documents, photos, and art within the library have remained unchanged since before Kenya gained independence.

With determination and persistence, Shiro and Wachuka embark on the challenging mission of revitalizing this library. They need to gather funds, manage social media outreach, and organize events. They have little knowledge about architecture and renovation of ancient structures. Most importantly, they must navigate through government red tape. Each progress made seems to be followed by two steps back as alliances and political influence shift.

Wachuka and Shiro easily command the screen, gazing directly into the camera and speaking fervently about their project. Filmmakers allow them ample room to share their thoughts and experiences. At times, they are shown in candid moments, inadvertently revealing more than intended. What stands out is their heartfelt discussion of the personal impact this project has had on their lives and relationship. Despite moments of laughter and camaraderie, there’s a palpable undercurrent of stress and tension between them. The camera skillfully captures any conflicts that arise without resorting to dramatic flourishes. Instead, there are no grand, sweeping moments; rather, the emotions simmer beneath a surface of composure and unity.

In the storyline, another point of strain arises due to two fresh faces in the library setting. These newcomers, Wachuka and Shiro, are viewed as outsiders by the established staff who were there prior to their arrival. During a tense interaction, they request feedback on their proposals, aiming to foster cooperation by presenting it as a dialogue. However, their efforts are met with little response. Lekow and King observe the stern and quiet expressions of the other attendees across the conference table. Although this moment is powerful in the narrative, the filmmakers fail to provide insight into the personalities of the remaining employees. The main librarian dominates the screen time, leaving a portion of the story untold and underdeveloped – a significant plot thread that seems hastily dismissed, reducing its potential impact.

In the movie, the filmmakers speak with several residents whom they refer to as “library users” to gain insights about who the main characters aim to help. While these brief interviews provide glimpses into a larger story, they do not form a complete narrative. Instead, the focus remains on Wachuka and Shiro, captivating leads with admirable intentions. Additionally, there are gatherings where scholars and other influential individuals discuss the effects of the colonial period and their aspirations for what the library will symbolize following its restoration. However, these events do not fully convey the essence of the community in “How to Build a Library.

The filmmakers fail to address or provide insights into colonialism’s ongoing impact on Kenya’s infrastructure and culture by focusing solely on the community. However, their portrayal of Shiro and Wachuka is compassionate, and the challenges they face, notably bureaucratic hurdles and corruption, stir our empathy, offering a glimpse into Kenya’s contemporary political landscape.

This segment of the movie mirrors post-independence Kenya in miniature, but it arrives too late to be fully integrated into the narrative; instead, it serves as a concluding note rather than a crucial element. Filmmakers Lekow and King show great empathy towards Nairobi, their beloved hometown, and their work is insightful. Yet, “How to Build a Library” seems to present only one side of a compelling story left untold.

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2025-01-30 02:47