It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the official website of the Somali Library Association (SLA).
As the founder, president, and chairman of the council of this established organization, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Mogadishu, I am deeply committed to the revitalization and strengthening of the library and information services sector in Somalia, as it plays a crucial role in education, research, and community empowerment.
The Somali Library Association (SLA) is open to individual members, institutional members, and honorary members who share our vision for the future of libraries and information services in our nation. This is a critical time, as we work to rebuild following the profound effects of the civil war that began in 1990, which severely disrupted our educational system, including the Somali National Library.
To address this challenge, the Somali Library Association has already undertaken some physical library projects. We have officially implemented one of these projects, and another national-scale project is currently underway. We are also mobilizing all librarians available in the country, as well as those in the Somali diaspora, to leverage their expertise and experience to support and empower the working library and information staff within Somalia. By fostering knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives, we aim to enhance the skills and capabilities of our local professionals.
Secondly, the SLA will work to collaborate with international development agencies and partner with them to further the professional interests of librarians and information professionals in Somalia. We believe that by forging these strategic partnerships, we can access resources, funding, and best practices that will accelerate the revitalization of the library and information services sector.
Through practical training on library functions, operations, and organization, as well as the introduction of contemporary information management systems, we aim to empower librarians, information professionals, and knowledge workers, promote literacy and reading, and advocate for the continued development and support of libraries and information services throughout Somalia. I am driven by a clear vision and a wealth of experience in working with international library and information associations, such as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). By leveraging the collective expertise of our members and fostering collaborative efforts, we are committed to revitalizing the library and information services sector and ensuring that it becomes a vital part of Somali society, contributing to education, research, and community empowerment. Together, we can work towards a future where libraries, archives, and information centers are thriving, accessible, and at the heart of Somali society, empowering citizens, advancing educational and research goals, and celebrating our rich cultural heritage. I look forward to welcoming you to the Somali Library Association and supporting you in your literary, educational, and information-related endeavors. Sincerely,

Mohamud Mohamed Siad
Founder, President and the chair of the council of Somali Library Association.