Sikh activists are aiding the Queens Public Library in a campaign to educate the community on their culture and beliefs.
Members of the religious group donated several books, videos and pamphlets to the Astoria, Laurelton, Broadway and Steinway branches to give library users more awareness of Sikh history. There are approximately 25 million Sikhs around the world and its members make up about 2 percent of India’s population, according to library officials.
“Sikhs are honest, hardworking people who believe in service to the community. We hope these donations will acquaint more New Yorkers and more Americans with Sikhs,” said community activist Jagir Singh Bains, who led the effort.
More than half of the Queens Public Library’s 62 branches have a Sikh collection and Bains said he aims to donate more materials to all of the libraries.
— Ivan Pereira
