Puntland Library & Resource Center

A Beacon of Knowledge and Community Empowerment

Established in 2007 by Somali Family Services (SFS), the Puntland Library & Resource Center (PLRC) stands as the first and only public library in the Puntland region. More than just a library, the Center serves as a hub for education, innovation, and community development.

01.​
Extensive Collection of Books

A large selection of reading materials catering to all ages and interests.

02.​
State-of-the-Art Computer Lab

Equipped with internet access and IT services, the lab serves over 13,000 visitors annually, with over one-third being women and girls.

03.​
Conference Halls

Spacious venues for workshops, forums, and community events.

04.​
Coffee Shop

A relaxing space for visitors to unwind and engage in informal discussions.

Through partnerships with organizations like Books for Africa, Counterpart International, and UNICEF, the Resource Center has distributed over 2 million books to schools, government bodies, and NGOs, enriching education across the region.

Engaged crowd in Mogadishu stadium, capturing lively audience interaction.

01

Engaging Civil Society and Promoting Good Governance

The Resource Center is a cornerstone for SFS’s efforts in advancing peace, governance, and civil society engagement in Puntland. It provides a safe and inclusive venue for critical activities, such as:

Capacity Building for CSOs: Training workshops and forums to strengthen civil society organizations.

Stakeholder Dialogues: Facilitating discussions between local government, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to promote democratization and peacebuilding.

Workshops and Training: Hosting forums on human rights, democracy, governance, and security for community members, including Members of Parliament.

Participants gained valuable skills in areas such as accounting, communications, and technology, along with practical job-search training. By the program’s conclusion:

02

Empowering Women and Youth

The PLRC plays a pivotal role in empowering women and youth by providing access to opportunities and resources that foster growth and self-reliance.

Key initiatives include:

Job Skills Training: Nearly 200 youth trained annually in practical skills like business, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Internet Access: Providing women and youth with connectivity to support their education and professional development.

Computer Information Center: Offering IT training to enhance employability and digital literacy.

Close-up of an African man wearing sunglasses and using a smartphone outdoors in Mogadishu, Somalia.

03

Building for Tomorrow

Looking to the future, SFS is dedicated to expanding the PLRC’s offerings to promote healthy lifestyles, leadership development, and peacebuilding through recreation and sports. Planned additions include:

Recreational Facilities: A new playground, recreation room, and basketball court.

Sports Programs: Activities that instill teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect—values critical for fostering peace and understanding.

By continuing to invest in the Puntland Library & Resource Center, SFS reaffirms its commitment to building a brighter future for the people of Puntland, one rooted in education, empowerment, and community resilience.