Brattlecast: A Firsthand Look at Secondhand Books

At one of America's oldest bookshops, there are just as many stories to be told outside the pages as in them. Join bookseller Kenneth Gloss and co-host Jordan Rich as they share entertaining conversations and histories surrounding Boston's favorite spot for bibliophiles.

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Today we’re talking about Ken’s recent visit to the McMillan Memorial Library in Nairobi, Kenya. The McMillan’s ongoing restoration is the subject of a recent documentary, How to Build a Library, which explores the space’s troubled colonial past and its rebirth as a vibrant, inclusive cultural hub following years of neglect. This inspiring transformation is led by writer Wanjiru Koinange and publisher Angela Wachuka—two Nairobi women with a passion for literature and a mission to empower underserved communities through art, storytelling, and equitable access to information. You can learn more about their organization, Book Bunk, and its projects here.