SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - A child’s journey into reading begins long before they can read their first word. Listening to a story, looking at pictures, singing songs, and talking about a book help young children develop language, imagination, communication skills, and a foundation for future learning. These simple moments can also create positive experiences that encourage children to develop a lifelong love of books.
As part of its “From Peekaboo to Possibilities” campaign, the Sint Maarten Library is hosting its Early Learners Babies & Toddlers Campaign from September 1 to 19, 2026. The initiative focuses on children ages 0 to 6 and encourages parents, caregivers, educators, and the wider community to make reading and storytelling part of young children’s everyday lives.
The campaign has been underway since September 1, with community readers visiting participating day-care centers and early stimulation schools across Sint Maarten through September 17. During these visits, readers share stories with babies and toddlers, bringing books to life and demonstrating how reading, talking, and storytelling can become an enjoyable part of a young child’s daily routine.
A special Author Story Time will complement the community-reading program on September 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Vine Yard Office Park. The Sint Maarten Library in collaboration with Collective Prevention Services hosts the session. Author Ingrid T. Fyffe will share her children’s book, A Cupcake’s Journey, with children and families. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring their little ones for a morning of stories, imagination, and shared reading.
The importance of early reading will take center stage on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during a Panel Discussion at the University of St. Martin from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The discussion will explore the benefits of introducing children to books from an early age and provide practical insight into how parents, caregivers, and educators can support early literacy and language development.
The panel will feature Chevon James of P2C Logopaedics Consultative Services, Speech and Language; Lorraine Leacock of Kinetic Melodies; D’Antoinette Roger-Sorton of Enable Holistic Occupational Therapy; and Ivanca Sterling of Collective Prevention Services (CPS). Ingeborg De Weever will moderate the discussion. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend and learn more about ways to support their children’s early reading, language, communication, and overall development.
The program continues on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with an Author Workshop featuring Amy Arrindell, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sint Maarten Library. The workshop will focus on incorporating reading, storytelling, and meaningful interaction into everyday life with young children, giving parents and caregivers practical ideas they can use at home. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend this workshop and gain practical tools and ideas to support their young children’s development.
The campaign will culminate on Saturday, September 19, 2026; with a Grand Early Learners Celebration at Emilio Wilson Park from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Families can enjoy story time, a puppet show, capoeira, arts and crafts, literacy activities, and entertainment for young children.
Parents who wish for their children to participate in the Miniature Book Character Parade, led by the Generation New Status Drum Band, can contact the Sint Maarten Library for more information.
The celebration will begin with the Grand Miniature Book Character Parade at 10:00 a.m. Children are invited to dress as their favorite book character and join families from across the community in celebrating books, imagination, and learning. Refreshments and face painting will also be available for purchase.
Through “From Peekaboo to Possibilities,” the Sint Maarten Library is reminding families that it is never too early to begin reading. A few minutes of sharing a book each day can introduce a child to new words, new ideas, and new possibilities.
The Library invites families to take part in the campaign and discover how something as simple as sharing a story can help give a child a strong start in learning.
From Peekaboo to Possibilities — one story, one conversation, one book at a time.
