For most of us, when we think of a library, what comes to mind is a large collection of books on shelves stacked one after another. And true to this thought, to a large extent, this is what libraries are. For book lovers, the quiet ambiance and rows of stocked shelves offer an ideal environment to dive into a good book.

But in today’s digital era, technology is transforming the way we read, write, and work. Today, with just a smartphone, you can write a manuscript or read a novel through applications like Kindle. Amidst this changing landscape, it is crucial for libraries to adapt so they can remain relevant and continue serving their communities.

In light of this, forward-thinking libraries must embrace the digital shift to remain vital to their communities. Entebbe Public Library has truly walked the talk in this regard. But to understand its stride into the future, we need to look at its history. Established in 1972, the library spent decades sharing space with the Entebbe Division A offices before eventually stepping into its modern home.

In 2021, the library stepped into a spacious new era just a short distance from its former home, settling into a modern facility along Portal Road right opposite the Entebbe Children’s Playing Park. Spanning the entire first floor, the library is now adequately expansive with plenty of room for readers to settle in and focus. More importantly, this new physical home provided the ideal foundation for the digital transition of the modern era.

Bringing this digital transition to life has been a collaborative effort. With vital partners like the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) supplying the foundational computer hardware to equip the ICT workspace, and the American Tower Corporation (ATC) providing reliable internet connectivity, the library has evolved into a digital community hub where modern technology opens up a world of research, learning, and opportunity for everyone who walks through the door.

Today, Entebbe Public Library stands as a hybrid of physical books and computer technology, featuring a dedicated computer section that can accommodate up to 40 people per session. True to its mission as a public library, regular digital training sessions are held to equip the community with practical skills. For beginners, classes cover the absolute basics—such as how to start a computer, identify a monitor, and use a mouse. For intermediate learners, the one-month course progresses to practical applications like PowerPoint, Excel, social media navigation, and an introduction to artificial intelligence.

Beyond these everyday classes, the library also hosts targeted programs with partners like UNICEF—such as an upcoming in-depth three-day training from Monday, September 28th to Wednesday, September 30th which includes transport refunds to make it easier for participants to attend.

Pauline Nakalema, the Library Administrator in charge of the training, elaborates on the need to be digitally savvy in these times. “This digital training gives you awareness of how much more you can do with just a phone or computer, and with digital, the more you practice, the better you become.”

Whether you are a professional looking for a quiet space in Entebbe to read and work, or a student seeking a reliable spot after school or during the holidays, the Entebbe Public Library is an ideal destination. For more information about the training programs and how you can be a part of them, contact +256751151424.