Activities Oct 2022 Community Libraries Association of Uganda

1. Community Libraries Association of Uganda, Coordinators activities
Registered members
We have registered 5 new members to the association that is Busesa community Library, Book Drive read
to learn foundation, Gulu Book point and Leadership Resource Center. These members have been able to
receive their membership certificate as well.
Presentations
I also presented about the role played by community Libraries in enhancing literacy to the Rotary club of
Kyanja-Metro in Kampala. This was done to clearly indicate what community libraries are doing to fight
illiteracy. Running mobile libraries, providing reading space and conducting reading promotion activities.
Rewards
On behalf of Book Aid International, we managed to give certificates to the winners of the Community
Reading Awards 2021. UgCLA had 4 members who won the grant to implement reading projects in their
communities. The award has been announced for 2022 again and we hope more members are taken on
to implement reading project.
Communication
A whatsapp group was created to ease communication for the members and increase sharing of vital
information. The same platform has eased mobilization and created more networking amongst librarians
and different other groups of people that have interest in library work.
I created mailing lists and bulk sms contact list for members that is often used when making
communications to reach out to every one in every possible way. These lists are also updated at given
times.

2. Guidance
Also, I have guided members when it comes to library management basics, linked them to nearby libraries
so that they do exchange visits and sharing the necessary contacts of partners and potential donors who
can support libraries. This is continuous. I took part in doing the stock taking activity for PEFO Jinja
community library together with the librarians. This was to guide them in how the process is undertaken
and what is considered.
Mapping Community Libraries to Rotary clubs
Another activity done was working with Rotary to map our community libraries to rotary clubs around the
country. Each community library was attached to a rotary club to implement the Basic Education and
Literacy Enhancement Program. Rotary clubs were asked to pay visits to libraries in order to assess best
areas for support.
Partner Development Program
The Book Aid International Partner Development program is one of the online engagement I participated
in. This program assessed the Association in line with Leadership, management strategies, member base,
services and many others. Reports on assessment will be shared to UgCLA and a learning program
designed see how the staff, board and members can best operate and be impactful in their works.

3. Training
Similarly, I attended a 3
weeks training on leadership
and governance, Legal and
Policy compliance,
Monitoring and evaluation
by the Civil Society
Strengthening Network. I
was nominated by Kawempe
Youth Centre community
library to take part in this
training where by the
knowledge got from this
training would be of help
during UgCLA’s work and
activities and also improve on my understanding of the work done by different organizations (CBOs and
NGOs) in the country.
Starting up a community library
I went ahead and started a community library in my village to contribute to the vision of a library in every
village. Monica Memorial Resource Centre was started in Arua district of Uganda with now 366 books
comprising of children, reference, teenage and adult fiction.
Donations
One of the children authors at Gulu Book Point Community Library, Kerakwana Joan Krystal donated 3
copies of her book to UgCLA entitled “Atrip to Gulu”. I gave one copy to Kawempe Youth Centre library
and reserved the 2 copies for the Association. Kerakwana aspires to be a medical doctor, a writer, and a
business owner.

4. Monitoring and evaluation
UgCLA welcomed and hosted Dr. Alison Kinengerye who made a monitoring and evaluation visit on behalf
of Book Aid International to understand the process of book donations receipt. I was able to take her
through all the process and she went ahead and interacted with some beneficiaries of these information
materials.
With all these services, they are geared towards achieving the goals and objectives of Community Libraries
Association of Uganda together with local, national and international partners, funders, sponsors and like-
minded individuals.