The Public Diversity Library was officially introduced by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Monday, as part of their efforts to cultivate understanding, respect, and tolerance across religious, cultural, and ethnic boundaries through literature.

As part of the initiative, a public library space will be designated within the ERC headquarters. The purpose of this space is to foster awareness and appreciation of the wide range of religious, ethnic, and cultural practices in Guyana.

According to the ERC, the primary goal is to nurture a more enlightened and educated society, fostering respect and tolerance among individuals, irrespective of their religious or cultural backgrounds.

The ERC believes that providing access to knowledge on various religious and cultural traditions can significantly contribute to the development of a harmonious and inclusive society.

During a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony to declare the library open, the Chairman of the ERC, Shaykh Moeenul Hack said the library embodies the ERC’s unwavering commitment to building a more enlightened and inclusive Guyana.

Recognizing the crucial role of knowledge in fostering mutual respect and acceptance, the ERC aims to empower individuals to delve deeper into the diverse faiths and customs that define the Guyanese cultural landscape.

Conveniently located at 66 Peter Rose and Anira Streets, Queenstown (second floor), the Public Diversity Library is open to visitors of all faiths and backgrounds from Mondays-Fridays 9:00am- 3:00pm. The library boasts a comprehensive collection of sacred scriptures and texts exploring Guyana’s diverse ethnic and cultural identities.

The Commission extends its heartfelt gratitude to the numerous organisations that generously contributed to the library’s collection, including The International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Every Home for Christ Guyana, the Brahma Kumaris, The Science of Spirituality Meditation Centre, The Ariya Samaj, and the National Spiritual Assembly of Bahai’s of Guyana. Their invaluable contributions lay the foundation for the library’s continued growth and enrich the learning experience for all visitors.

The ERC warmly invites the Guyanese public to embrace the wealth of knowledge and understanding offered by the Public Diversity Library. Whether seeking to deepen their own faith, broaden their perspective, or simply connect with fellow citizens from diverse backgrounds, the library provides a welcoming space for exploration and dialogue.