Mogadishu Public Library Project Outline

What happened to the Somali National Library?

The fall of the Somali state in 1991, and subsequent enduring civil strife had an effect on the livelihood of Somali society as well as its lifeline institutions, including educational system, health care, legal system, and many more. The public libraries and information services have also become past memories due to the civil war.

This is the remains of what used to be the pride of the nation. The purposely-built Somali National Library in Mogadishu. It was designed to house a wealth of knowledge including 1000s of rare scripts, catalogues, research papers, documents, etc on the top of every day reading for all-walks of life. Its futuristic vision was to enlighten the Somali public for generations to come and to provide a taste of the region's ancient knowledge and recourses to the outside world. The library's existence came to end in 1991 due to the civil war, however, the spirit remained in tact.

'Library Services is vital for  future peace and stability in Somalia'.                                    Prof. Ahmed Abdulahi

Prof. Ahmed Abdulahi, the founder of IMAMSHAFI'I FOUNDATION (the oldest private educational institution in Mogadishu) explains, that the need for Library Services is not vital only for academics and general readers, but also for future peace and stability in Somalia. "The lack of informational institution has caused the educational institutions to under perform, and led to to a socio-economical problems". Pro. A Abdulahi, added "any future government would be impotent to make recovery if the case remains the same". The new educational revival initiated by the private industry has increased the demands for library services to aid students and teachers alike.

Mogadishu Library Project

The aim of the project is to encourage and support the rebuilding of an educated and well-informed society, while maintaining, preserving and promoting the local culture and history.

 

For the first time in 15years Zaylai Foundation opened the first Public Library in Mogadishu, on the 19th May 2006. The opening ceremony was commissioned by the Mayor of Mogadishu, Honourable Prof. Ade Gaabow and attended by more than three hundred people, composing of academics, politicians, students, elders and the media. 

 

Situated in the heart of Mogadishu in a spacious two story building with open space, gardens and car park, and over 30,000 books of academic subjects and computers connected to the internet, MPL already receives daily visitors of hundreds.

MPL Provides

• Academic and reference books and other learning materials.
• Work stations connected to internet.
• Comfortable reading and study areas.
• Specialist library and offices for researchers and authors.
• Organize seminars, debates and short courses.
• Conference halls.

The Future

Mogadishu Public Library aims to provide continuously to the Somali public appropriate reading materials for all ages and interests.

Some of the near future enhancements :

• Up-to-date books and other educational materials
• Building of a purpose-built library in Mogadishu.
• e-library.
• Inter-library services and international partnerships schemes.
• Science laboratory for secondary students.

Beneficiaries of MPL

The purpose of the project is to contribute towards the future development and the advancement of the information distribution in Somalia and in the region as whole. Therefore, the project would provide a vital resources to thousands of people including:

• Educational Institution and Students.
• Historians and Authors.
• Civil Society and Peace Activists.
• The Media.
• Governmental bodies.

• Financial Support to help payments for the shipment and the set-up costs.
• Up to date books, magazines and electronic resources.
• Computers, projectors, photocopiers, printers, and all library equipment.
• Collaboration and partnership with similar organisations and institutions.
• Continuous support .