This paper examines the strides taken by academic libraries in Kenya to match the standards of modern library buildings, including going green whilst highlighting the ensuing impact on user satisfaction. It provides a comparison between modern Kenyan libraries and other modern libraries in the world considered exemplary in progressive development of library design and sustainable library buildings. This paper will answer the following questions: how far have Kenyan libraries come in embracing environmentally friendly buildings? What is the impact of artistic modern library design and going green on user satisfaction? What are the effects of natural environments on libraries? In addressing these and related questions, the design of new libraries in Kenya over the past eight years can be traced.