COLAU

Building a Reading Nation in Uganda

The Community Libraries Association of Uganda is dedicated to promoting

literacy, education, and community development through accessible

library services across Uganda.

Our Impact in Numbers

Member Libraries

Number of books distributed to member libraries

Children Reached

Libraries in Uganda: Beacons of Knowledge in a Developing Landscape

Libraries in Uganda represent a vital yet often under-resourced frontier in the nation’s development journey. They exist within an ecosystem, ranging from nearly collapsed national institutions to grassroots community libraries, each playing a crucial role in supporting education, literacy, and community empowerment.

A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people.” — Andrew Carnegie

Everything you need for better future and success has already been written. And guess what? All you have to do is go to the library. — Henri Frederic Amiel

Libraries in Uganda exist within an ecosystem, ranging from nearly collapsed national institutions to grassroots community libraries, each playing a crucial role in supporting education, literacy, and community empowerment.

Formation and Models

The backbone is the National Library of Uganda, established by an Act of Parliament. Under its umbrella are public libraries, formed by government mandate but frequently struggling with consistent support.

Public/National Libraries

Community Libraries

Local NGOs and CBOs: Partnerships between development partners are initiated with local communities to establish libraries in order to address specific literacy gaps.

Individual Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship: Passionate individuals mobilize resources, conduct book donations, make local and international connections for funding so as to establish grassroots education initiatives.

Library Support for Education and Literacy

In a country with a young population and high primary school enrollment, but concerning literacy levels, libraries are not a luxury but a necessity.

Supplementing poorly resourced schools:

For millions of children, the school textbook is the only book they ever see. Libraries provide access to diverse reading materials – storybooks, picture books, non-fiction – that cultivate a love for reading, improve comprehension, and expand vocabulary beyond the rote learning common in overcrowded classrooms.

Creating literacy-enabling environments:

Whether located within a school or in the community, libraries offer safe, quiet, and stimulating spaces for children to read, study, and independently learn, which is critical in homes without electricity or space. They are havens, especially for girls and vulnerable children.

Bridging the digital divide:

With increased access to computers and the internet, and an ever-increasing number of libraries and empowerment hubs in Uganda, many libraries are turning their locations into learning spaces that house public-access ICT facilities.

Libraries in Uganda are institutions born from partnerships and community need. While chronically underfunded and facing immense logistical challenges, they have a profound impact, complementing the formal education system by providing the tools, space, and inspiration for lifelong learning.