What We Do
The Garden Library is a welcoming learning space for both children and adults in Uganda. We exist to nurture reading, learning, creativity, and practical skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive world. All our programs are free of charge, ensuring access for everyone regardless of background.
Computer Club
Our computer clubs are facilitated by Teddy alongside local and international volunteers. The programme is interactive and practical, helping children build confidence and develop a positive attitude towards digital technology.
Digital Literacy Program
In a world where digital skills are essential, many children in Uganda still lack access to computers. The Garden Library addresses this gap by providing basic computer training to children who would otherwise miss these opportunities due to social or economic barriers.
Learners are introduced to fundamental computer skills and common applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Due to limited resources, we enroll up to 15 children every three months.
Books Rotation
Through our mobile library initiative, we partner with seven small local NGOs and community-based organisations to rotate sets of 150 books every six weeks. These books are delivered directly to communities, including in hard-to-reach island areas.
This programme strengthens under-resourced organisations and expands access to reading materials for children in their care. By partnering with seven organizations, you're able to reach a wider audience and make a positive impact on their reading abilities and self esteem.
Literacy Club
Promoting literacy is at the heart of our work. We believe that readers today become leaders tomorrow. Our goal is to raise a confident, creative, and self-reliant reading generation.
Through our book bank and children’s literature clubs, we encourage a strong reading culture, build vocabulary, and develop comprehension skills. Where possible, native English speakers support learners with pronunciation and spoken English.
Free Borrowing of Books
The Garden Library is open four days a week and offers free borrowing of books for up to two weeks. A reader is generally eligible to borrow one book. However, long time users of the library can be trusted with two books. There are no fees or formal requirements needed but only honesty and care for shared resources.
Our shelves hold a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books for children, teenagers, and adults, including literature, self-help, and cooking, art, and STEM books.
Community Engagement
“Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities.”
— R. David Lankes
We believe a library should go beyond books. The Garden Library hosts community activities such as workshops, skill-sharing sessions, and discussion spaces where people exchange ideas and learn together. Recently, we introduced practical cookery sessions, including baking using simple charcoal stoves.
Education Support
The Garden Library provides a safe, calm, and supportive environment where learners can revise and study. With support from both local and international volunteers, children receive extra help especially in English and Mathematics.
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School reports from participating children show clear improvement in academic performance, understanding, and confidence