PHILIPSBURG: The third Reading Festival Sint Maarten Edition brought two days of reading, creativity, and interactive learning on September 25 and 26, 2026.
About 600 students joined Friday’s program at the University of St. Martin (USM) and participating secondary schools, where local and international authors shared books and engaged with students.
On Saturday, USM welcomed over 575 visitors for a wide range of activities, including VR experiences, steel pan workshops, book dance, detective sessions, drama productions, arts and crafts, storytelling and author workshops.
Every child left the festival with a book of their choice, while visitors also had the opportunity to win raffle prizes throughout the day. Vernicia Lambert, a student at Browlia F. Maillard MAC Campus, won the main raffle prize: an e-reader.
More than 60 prizes were raffled among children who attended the Open House on Saturday. Some winners received their prizes during the festival, while those not present for the drawing will receive theirs through their respective schools.
“Reading opens doors for our young people. It strengthens their imagination, helps them discover their own voices, and gives them tools they will carry with them throughout their lives,” said Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs. “What I appreciate about the Reading Festival is that it shows children that reading does not have to feel like a task. It can be fun, creative and exciting, while still helping them build the skills and confidence they need for their future.”
Special thanks to Bethzy Gianella Chiang of Stichting Biblionef Netherlands, whose annual support and creativity have helped the festival grow.
Thanks to the collaborative Team 2026, Biblionef Netherlands, the Government of Sint Maarten, the University of St. Martin (USM), the Sint Maarten Library, and the Help our Children Foundation. We also thank all sponsors, partners, authors, facilitators, educators, and volunteers who made this event possible.
Sponsors include:
The Dutch Foundation for Literature, Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, Holland House Beach Hotel, Justice4all Consultancy B.V., Windward Islands Bank, Stichting Kadaster, the Dutch Representation of Sint Maarten (VNP), Princess Juliana International Airport, Central Bank of Curaçao & St. Maarten, Port St. Maarten, The Sint Maarten Lions Club, Bute Hotel, All (4) Rotary Clubs of Dutch St. Martin, Nagico Insurances, Cavalier Logistics, Divico, Richards Legal BV, Sunny Foods, Publix Supermarket, Seven Seas Water Group, SZV Social & Health Insurances, Domino’s Pizza, and all other contributors.
