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#PAGarchLibrary - Refugee Architecture Library

The Pagirinya Architecture Library, located in Pagirinya Refugee Settlement in Adjumani District, Uganda, was officially launched on 19 February 2022 at the YEF Satellite Community Space. The library was established to provide young people in the refugee settlement and surrounding communities with greater access to knowledge, creative resources, and learning opportunities in architecture and the arts.

The initiative began with a donation of 80 books covering architecture, art, and photography, generously provided by team members of r0g_agency and friends from Germany. The collection was established to strengthen young people’s exposure to architectural knowledge, creative practices, and visual culture, while encouraging learning, curiosity, and self-directed exploration.

Since its establishment, #PAGarchLib has continued to grow as a community-based resource center. The collection has expanded to 140 books nowadays, demonstrating continued interest in and commitment to accessible learning resources for young people. It provides materials and inspiration in areas including architecture, art, photography, and media documentation, supporting both formal and informal learning.

The library’s resources have also expanded beyond printed materials. An e-book reader was donated by the Child Protection Office at UNHCR Office Pakalle, providing young people with additional opportunities to access digital learning content.

The development of #PAGarchLib demonstrates the value of creating accessible knowledge spaces within refugee settlements. By bringing together books, digital resources, and a community-oriented learning environment, the library supports young people to acquire knowledge and draw inspiration for their own work and community initiatives.