Future Libraries

Completed Libraries

Anne Moore has helped complete libraries in Mathare North, East Leigh, and Kayole.

Mathare North Library

Future Libraries

Anne is hoping to create sixteen libraries, one in each zone of Mathare Valley .

We have previously in Mathare used rented accomodation for libraries. We have since decided that rented accomodation is usually too small, often riddled with damp, and has very little natural lighting. There is also the problem of unscrupulous landlords, who put up the rent for any reason, and who do not maintain the library building- as is the case with East Leigh library. With the success of the new library building in Kayole we have decided that all future libraries will be built where possible. This is also fraught with problems, as establishing ownership of land - particularly in slum areas- is very difficult.

The next library- in Githurai area.

MYSA has recently found land for our next library in Githurai.This library is being sponsored by The Dutch; both the purchasing of the land, and the building of the library itself. Initially the library will only have one floor - the children's library- but we hope to raise money to add on the second floor - for adults! The first floor will also have an activities room, toilets and storage/ office space for MYSA. When the first floor is added the adults library will also have a computers area, plus a silent reading/ seminar room.

We have been very lucky to once again be able to have the services of H.S. Sehra Associates, architects, who again have done all of the professional architectural plans, supervision etc for free.

After Githurai???

We have found that as one library is being built, the next library presents itself! We are looking for suitable plots in Huruma, Kariobangi North, Kariobangi South, Kahawa etc.

We also hope to build a new library in East Leigh to replace the old rented building, which is falling down. Unfortunately prices for land in this area are unusually high: A piece of land of the required size in Huruma should cost 800,000 KSH. In East Leigh the same size plot will cost 4million KSH.

We also hope to make MYSA libraries a seperate project with its own funding in the future. Currently all of the libraries operate on no budget. replying soley on donations of books, carpet, buildings, chairs, paint etc etc.