SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Supporting families means supporting the whole child; from a mother's well-being and a baby's earliest days to the development of a lifelong love of reading. Early literacy begins before a child enters school, and can begin even before birth: talking, singing, sharing stories, and reading together from birth all help create positive early experiences with books, language, and learning.
As part of Health Week, the Sint Maarten Library took part in activities focused on supporting mothers, babies, parents, and families while highlighting the importance of early literacy and access to Library resources.
On Thursday, August 6, 2026, the Library hosted a Story Time session for a warm turnout of 12 young children and their caregivers, with Librarian M. Powell leading the activity and K. Henry contributing as a reader. The session introduced children to the joy of stories while emphasizing the importance of reading, talking, and sharing books together from an early age.
In addition, the Sint Maarten Library participated in the Mom's Health Fair on Saturday, August 8, represented by Librarian M. Powell with L. Chintaman providing administrative support. The fair gave the Library an opportunity to connect directly with expectant mothers, parents, babies, and families, and to promote Library membership, BookStart resources, and the benefits of introducing children to books from birth.
As part of the Library's promotional outreach during Health Week, Librarian M. Powell and D. Mathew York took part in a promotional video raising awareness of the week's activities and highlighting the Library's role in supporting early literacy and families.
‘Connecting with families from pregnancy through early childhood highlights the importance of introducing children to reading from the very beginning. By creating welcoming spaces where families can enjoy stories together, the Sint Maarten Library helps foster positive early reading experiences and encourage lifelong learning,” said Library staff members.
Through new memberships, renewals, and sign-ups for newborns, families were encouraged to make the Library part of their child's early learning journey.
By working alongside the Collective Preventative Services (CPS), the White & Yellow Cross Foundation (WYCF), and other community partners, the Sint Maarten Library continues to strengthen connections with families and support the development of confident, curious, and lifelong readers.
Parents and caregivers can register a child for a library card, including newborns through BookStart at the main branch on W. A. J. Nisbeth Road #3 in Philipsburg, open 9 am to 5 pm at the Philipsburg location, Walter Nisbeth Road # 3, For more information, call+1(721) 542-2970 or visit www.library.sx
