Building Entebbe Library's Legacy of Literacy

UNESCO recently designated Medellin, Colombia, as the World Book Capital for 2027. This is no small feat. To earn this title, a city must demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to promoting reading across all generations.

With over 110 bookstores and 25 libraries, Medellin proved that a culture of reading can physically transform a society, turning people away from social upheaval and toward a life of possibility.

But we do not have to look to South America to find the seeds of such a transformation.

Right here at home, nestled opposite the Children’s Park on Portal Road, lies a cornerstone of our own intellectual future: the Entebbe Public Library.

While the ground floor of this newly constructed building houses the Entebbe Division A offices, the entire second floor is dedicated to a different kind of service—the quiet, powerful work of the mind.

This library is a true gem in our community. In a town already known for its calm, the library offers a specialized, conducive environment for deep focus. It isn’t just a room full of shelves; it is a sanctuary for those who need to escape the noise of the world to build something of their own.

What makes the Entebbe Library unique is how it anchors our history. Beyond its expansive collection of hundreds of books—covering everything from classic literature to modern academic texts—the library houses a rare treasure: newspaper archives dating back over 20 years.

Stepping into the stacks and flipping through a paper from 2002 allows you to feel the pulse of Uganda as it was then. It provides a necessary perspective on how far we have come as a nation, preserved right alongside the diverse volumes that line the shelves.

Yet, the library remains firmly rooted in the future. Recognizing the digital shift, the facility is equipped with computers, offering community members the opportunity to bridge the digital divide through learning and research.

Whether you are a student seeking a distraction-free zone for revision, a professional drafting a critical report, or a writer looking for a space to call home, the library is open to you.

The Entebbe Public Library remains a truly public resource, welcoming anyone to walk in and read within its quiet halls at no cost. For those looking to take a piece of that world home, a modest annual investment of UGX 30,000 grants full membership, allowing you to borrow from their vast collection of hundreds of books. 

Whether you are a early-morning researcher or an afternoon reader, the doors are open every Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, providing a consistent home for the city’s intellectual life. 

At Lapatutu Writing Creations, we are proud to partner with this mighty institution. By promoting a local reading culture, we are laying the foundation for something greater than ourselves. We are working toward the day when Entebbe stands as the Medellin of Africa—the next World Book Capital. 

Share this Blog Post