How to Build a Library (2025) by Christopher King and Maia Lekow

Tackles challenges around the decolonisation of public libraries in Nairobi, Kenya

Film poster

Shot during eight years, the documentary follows author Shiro Koinange and publisher Angela Wachuka who decided to renovate The MacMillan Library opened originally in 1931 for white visitors only. The history of the library is deeply entangled with colonialism starting from its classification system and therefore change requires the reorganising of not just collections but also mindsets. The government’s resistance to fund the project raises questions around the cultural meaning and political role of libraries.

After the film, there will be an interactive panel discussion with a Q & A with the audience. Our keynote speaker is Peter Kariuki, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of the Interior, Finland. We are also honored to have Katri Vänttinen, Director of Library Services, Helsinki City, as a panelist. The opening remarks will be by Sarah Laaru, Chairperson of the Finnish-African Society. The panel is moderated by Evans Andrew (Kenyan Community Network Finland, Maisha Nordics, NordLink Africa). The panel includes Doctoral Researcher Priscilla Osei and PhD Researcher Eurídice Hernández Gomes from the University of Helsinki, as well as Nahla Hewidy, Board Member of the Anti-Racist Forum (ARF).

Laura Hytti, Board Member of the Finnish-African Society, will host the event.

Event schedule:

17:00–17:20 – Welcome remarks and Opening speeches
17:20–19:00 Film screening
19:00–20:00 Panel discussion and audience Q&A
Location: KOodiRegina, 1st floor
Date: 29 September 2026
Time: 17:00–20:00

The event is FREE and open to everyone. The event is organised by The Finnish-African Society ry and Kenyan Community Network Finland, in collaboration with Helsinki Central Library Oodi.

Kindly Reserve Your Seat below

The event is organised by The Finnish-African Society ry, Kenyan Community Network Finland, in collaboration Helsinki Central Library Oodi.