Written by Alefiyah Harazi
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Saifee Park in Nairobi lies a cottage where something magical has taken root—a charming children’s library, where windows catch the morning light just right, bookshelves hum with stories, and imagination tiptoes around every corner.
The library, run by Bunayyat, a Dawoodi Bohra women’s organisation in Nairobi, is an effort to create a space for connection and creativity.
Munira Anjarwalla, a founding member, reflects on the vision behind the library. “We had imagined a space without screens where children and adults could bond over reading and playing games—a haven for imagination to blossom.”
“The idea was to create a cosy nook that allowed children to get lost—where stories came alive,” shares Rashida Fakhri, another founding member. The library cottage isn’t grand or modern, and it doesn’t try to be. Its magic lies in its warmth, its welcoming spirit, and the way it wraps its visitors in a vibe of comfort.
Back to basics
Rising screen time among children has become a growing concern for families worldwide. Recently, the global Dawoodi Bohra community launched a campaign to reduce screen time for children under 15, promoting outdoor play and games that enhance cognition and motor skills.
The Bunayyat Library is a key step toward that goal. “With its focus on books, play and imagination, the library offers a more enriching, intellectual way for kids to spend their time,” said a parent.
The library has become a second home for so many. Parents and caregivers eagerly bring children for story time. Volunteers—many of them retired teachers or neighbourhood book lovers—read aloud with voices full of character and care.
“My favourite moment is when I see a mother or father walk in with their child to read or play,” says Munira. The group of ladies continue to work hard to motivate more community members to make use of the library as a healthy environment where they can bond with their children.
Brick by brick
The library’s latest addition is already a favourite—a bright, cheerful Lego and Puzzle Room. Inside are boxes of colourful bricks and brain-teasing puzzles of all shapes and sizes. Children gather around low tables, their eyes wide with ideas and their hands busy bringing them to life.
They don’t just build—they imagine. A simple pile of blocks becomes a towering castle, an aeroplane, a car, or even a bustling city, each design a reflection of their wildest ideas. As they stack, snap, and rearrange, they’re not just playing—they are developing fine motor skills, and tapping into their inner inventors.
Extending horizons
The moment you step into the library, it’s as if the outside world hushes. Tiny feet shuffle about, and the air is filled with the scent of paper and the rhythmic click-click sound of Lego bricks. “Every child who comes to borrow a book or play with Legos has a glimmer in their eyes—it’s heart-warming to see that hint of adventure,” says Munira.
And when it’s time to leave, the energy doesn’t fade. With borrowed books clutched tightly in their hands and faces glowing with smiles, they exit, chattering about their new discoveries, already planning their next visit. The library for them is more than a place—it’s an adventure.
“In my youth, I remember the reading corner being a little bit of an escape from the rest of the classroom. You know, the bit with the carpet and some cushions and you sat on the floor and lost yourself? I think that is what we have achieved here,” says Tasneem Hebatullah, another active member of the library team.
For the local community, the library has become a symbol of collaboration—a reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas lead to the greatest impact.