Schools and learning
Public libraries in Somaliland: Hargeisa, Berbera, Gabiley and Sheikh
Somaliland's national library, the Silanyo National Library in Hargeisa, opened in December 2017. Berbera Public Library opened on 22 April 2018 with more than 15,000 books, Gabiley National Library and Community Centre opened in April 2021, and Sheikh Public Library opened in January 2023.
In short
Somaliland has opened four public libraries since 2017: a national library in Hargeisa and public libraries in Berbera, Gabiley and Sheekh (Sheikh) (Wikipedia, National Library of Somaliland). For the national library in Mogadishu, see National Library of Somalia.
National Library of Somaliland, Hargeisa (2017)
The National Library of Somaliland, also called the Silanyo National Library, is in Hargeisa (Wikipedia). It was founded in December 2017 and is named after former president Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud (Silanyo), who opened it (same source). It is the first and largest national library in Somaliland (same source).
Berbera Public Library (2018)
Maktabadda Dadweynaha ee Berbera is the main public library in central Berbera (Wikipedia). Its story (same source):
- 29 February 2011: the idea was announced at a meeting of the Berbera Reader Club, a group of local scholars, elders and businessmen.
- 2013: the government cleared a site and moved the people living there. President Silanyo laid the first stone.
- 2014: Mayor Abdishakuur Mahmoud Hassan (Ciddin) set up a five-member community committee. A first library opened that year, and building began in late 2014.
- December 2015 to December 2017: the rest of the building was finished, mostly paid for by the local government.
- 22 April 2018: grand opening. It holds more than 15,000 books.
- 2022: the Taiwan Representative Office and the US charity SimplyHelp Foundation gave computers.
Gabiley National Library and Community Centre (2021)
The library in Gabiley, Maroodi Jeex, was founded in 2019 and opened in April 2021 (Wikipedia). It has reading rooms on three floors, a reader registration system, children's areas, and study space where teachers prepare lessons and set exams (same source). It runs workshops on reading, health, social issues, technology and study skills for children and adults (same source).
Sheikh Public Library (2023)
Sheikh Public Library opened in January 2023 and is the only public library in Sheekh, Togdheer (Wikipedia).
Read more
Sources
- Wikipedia, National Library of Somaliland · en.wikipedia.org
- Wikipedia · en.wikipedia.org
- Wikipedia · en.wikipedia.org
- Wikipedia · en.wikipedia.org
Toosoo!
Calankii is made by Toosoo, which works for one united, prosperous Somalia.
Can you help with Public libraries in Somaliland: Hargeisa, Berbera, Gabiley and Sheikh? Tell us what you can give.
I want to help with this
Same era
- Australia18,401 people of Somali ancestry and 8,101 born in Somalia lived in Australia at the 2021 Census, more than half in Victoria. History, work, issues.
- Birmingham (Somali diaspora)About 17,000 to 21,600 Somalis live in Birmingham (Census 2021), mostly in Nechells, Newtown, Small Heath and Alum Rock. History, work, health and ties home.
- Bristol (Somali diaspora)9,167 people in Bristol identified as Somali or Somalilander in Census 2021, the city's largest minority group. Where they live, work, housing, leaders and ties home.
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada2,845 people of Somali origin lived in Calgary at the 2021 Census, plus 890 in Brooks. How they came, who serves them and what they face.
- Denmark (Somali diaspora)21,885 people of Somali origin lived in Denmark in 2026, half born there. Numbers, history, work, permit reviews, and ties home.
- DjiboutiAbout 13,900 refugees from Somalia live in Djibouti (Aug 2026): numbers since 1990, Ali Addeh, Holl-Holl, the 2017 refugee law, Arta 2000 and 2025 returns.
Keep reading
- Somalia exam results: how to check Grade 8 and Grade 12 results (natiijada imtixaanka)How to check Somali Grade 8 and Grade 12 exam results: official links for the federal exam board, Puntland and Somaliland, dates and latest pass rates.
- Scholarships for Somali students: study abroad and at home (deeq waxbarasho)Scholarships open to Somali students: Türkiye Bursları, Stipendium Hungaricum, Chevening, IsDB, Mastercard Foundation and home funds. Official links and tips.
- Learn English for free: free courses for Somali speakers (baro Ingiriisi bilaash)Free ways for Somali speakers to learn English: BBC and VOA Learning English, British Council, USA Learns, free tests, and the exams scholarships ask for.
- Universities in Somalia: the national university, private universities and how to chooseUniversities in Somalia: the Somali National University story, the rise of private universities, how quality is checked, and how to choose where to study.
- National Library of Somalia (Maktabadda Qaranka Soomaaliyeed)History of Somalia's National Library in Mogadishu: founded 1975, closed in the 1990s, rebuilt from 2013, and the book donations since.