Preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated Reading Festival in Sint Maarten, a collaborative effort between Stichting Biblionef Nederland, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, the Sint Maarten Library, Help Our Children Foundation, and the University of St. Martin. With Biblionef Nederland as the initiator of the project, the festival promises to be a memorable celebration of books, culture, and creativity, aimed at igniting a love for reading among the island’s children and youth. 

The festival will be hosted at various schools and the University of St. Martin, offering a diverse range of activities designed to engage young readers and promote literacy. The program will include live storytelling sessions, author visits, interactive workshops, and book-themed games for children of all ages. There will be a special focus on multilingualism and cultural diversity, reflecting the rich heritage of Sint Maarten through stories in Dutch, English, and local languages. 

“The Reading Festival is about more than just books. It’s about fostering a lifelong love for reading by making it fun, interactive, and accessible for every child,” says Bethzy Gianella Chiang, Director of Stichting Biblionef Nederland. “We’re thrilled to bring together local organizations and institutions to create a festival that will leave a lasting impact on the children of Sint Maarten.” 

The festival workgroup is working hard to ensure everything is on track, additional support is needed to make the event a true success. You can click on the link below to donate. For more information or to get involved, you can contact Stichting Biblionef Nederland at info@biblionef.org or call the Sint Maarten Library at +1-721-542-2970. “Any support from the community is welcome,” Bethzy adds. “Whether it’s through donations or partnerships, we want to ensure the children have an unforgettable experience.” 

The Reading Festival is a unique opportunity to inspire young minds and foster a love of books and learning. Those interested in supporting the event can donate to the campaign or contact Stichting Biblionef Nederland directly. Together, we can bring the joy of reading to the children of Sint Maarten. 

“Join Us in Making the Reading Festival in Sint Maarten Unforgettable!”