October 6^th,, 2010. Somali Family Services received more than 30,000 books at its center, Puntland Library and Resource Center. The book shipment is through joint efforts of SFS, BFA, Counterpart, UNICEF and Puntland Administration. The needed books will help these strategic partner to achieve their commitment to increase literacy, skill building, and promote reading and writing to cultivate a community that value democracy and human rights. SFS is very keen and welcomes all visitors who come to Puntland Library and Resource Center (PLRC) to use and borrow books.

This is not the first time SFS,  distributed various books to other NGOs, schools and learning institutions (such as PSU, GTEC, East Africa University, Mogadishu University and Nugaal University) across Puntland.  Mr. Ali said, “We are tremendously proud of SFS’s efforts and commitment and we are greatly thankful for our generous partners; Books for Africa, Counterpart International and UNICEF. Our books reached and will reach all 8 regions of Puntland (Nugaal, Karkaar, Bari, Highland, Sanaag, Sool, and Cayn). 5,278 books have been distributed to different institutions.”

A total of 3,024 citizens accessed the Library over the course of 6 months in 2010–956 women and 2,168 men—while efforts are underway to encourage more women to utilize the library and resources available in the Center. “It is important and most successful method of increasing literacy is to measure two things; individuals have the means to read, and the access to appropriate reading materials.” Said Abdurashid Ali, the Executive Director of SFS.