In developed nations, libraries are a common fixture, a resource found in virtually every city and town. Sadly, in sub-Saharan Africa, this is all too often not the case. Those who seek information - and can afford it - may find some assistance from radio, television, or newspapers, but where can one find knowledge in the absence of libraries? ACAP is committed to raising awareness of this harmful deficiency and ending the poverty of knowledge which leads to poverty of spirit, health, and advancement.

Our starting point is Lagos, Nigeria. Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria, a state with an urban area ("Metropolitan Lagos") of aproximately 8.1 million people. As a trade center, leading port, and the nation's most prosperous and fastest-growing city, it is, in many ways, comparable with New York City. However, while New York's equivalent population is served by a wealth of 87 public library branches, Lagos does not even have one.

Our goal is to establish a main library in the center of Lagos by the end of 2008. Our aim, eventually, is to establish branch libraries in cities, towns and villages throughout Nigeria and, gradually, expand to other countries in Africa. Check our News & Events or Programs sections for updates of our progress on the Lagos Library Project.

We welcome donations and contributions of all kinds: financial; books; services; equipment. As the project nears completion we will need volunteers to travel to Nigeria to help set up the system (cataloging, computers, administrative, etc.) in the city. You must be available to travel and commit to at least two weeks on the project.

Contact us to find out how you can help.