SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, will join families, young readers, educators, and community members for the Grand Celebration of the 2026 Early Learners BookStart Campaign on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Emilio Wilson Park from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Minister Gumbs recently registered as a Sint Maarten Library member and selected The Two Squabbling Squirrels as her book for the celebration. Her participation adds to a day dedicated to encouraging young children to discover the joy of books, reading, and imagination.
The Grand Celebration will end the September Early Learners BookStart Campaign with a fun-filled program for children and families. Activities will include a Miniature Parade of Books, a meet-and-greet, poetry, storytelling, a puppet show, and capoeira, face painting, entertainment, and more.
Families and caregivers are invited to bring their little readers and join the celebration at Emilio Wilson Park. The day is an opportunity to make reading a joyful part of every child's journey while celebrating the imagination, curiosity, and possibilities that books can inspire. For more information, contact the Sint Maarten Library at +1 721-542-2970 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Early Learners BookStart Campaign promotes the importance of introducing children to books and reading from an early age. Throughout September, the campaign has connected young children with books, stories, community readers, educators, day-care centers, families, and community partners, and the Sint Maarten Library looks forward to welcoming the community to Emilio Wilson Park on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for a celebration of reading, imagination, and the joy of books.
