St. Maarten Library expands community outreach through early literacy and back-to-school activities

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Library continued strengthening its connection with children, parents and families during August through a series of community outreach activities focused on early literacy, family engagement and preparations for the new school year.

The Library participated in several activities during Health Week, beginning with a Story Time session on Thursday, August 6, which attracted 12 young children and their caregivers. Librarian M. Powell led the activity, with K. Henry participating as a reader, introducing children to stories while emphasizing the value of reading, talking and sharing books from an early age.

The outreach continued on Saturday, August 8, when the Library participated in the Mom’s Health Fair. Librarian M. Powell represented the Library, supported by L. Chintaman, providing an opportunity to connect with expectant mothers, parents, babies and other family members while promoting Library membership, BookStart resources and the benefits of introducing children to books from birth.

The Library stressed that early literacy begins well before a child enters school and can be encouraged from birth through talking, singing, storytelling and reading together. New memberships, renewals and registrations for newborns were among the ways families were encouraged to make the Library part of their children’s early learning journey.

Working alongside the Collective Preventative Services, the White & Yellow Cross Foundation and other community partners, the Library said these activities form part of its effort to support families while helping develop confident and lifelong readers.

That community engagement continued on Sunday, August 9, when the Library participated in the Back 2 School Expo organized by Xtratight Entertainment at the ALEEZE Convention Center. The event brought together students, parents, schools and community organizations as families prepared for the start of the new school year.

Library staff members D. Helligar and D'Shnay Mathew York welcomed visitors throughout the event, recording new registrations and membership renewals across different age groups. The booth also provided an opportunity for young people to tell Library staff what they would like to see offered in the future. Suggestions included more young adult comics and anime, additional homework spaces and an expanded digital collection.

“Engaging with the youth and hearing their views was wonderful,” said Helligar. “What they shared with us will help the Library create programs that better reflect their interests and keep young people engaged with what we offer.”

The Library said participation in both Health Week and the Back 2 School Expo reflects its broader role beyond lending books, by meeting families in the community, encouraging reading from the earliest stages of childhood and listening to young people as services and activities continue to develop.

Registration remains open for students, parents, teachers and school staff at the Library’s main branch on W.A.J. Nisbeth Road #3 in Philipsburg. Families can obtain a library card, renew memberships and learn more about the Library’s print and digital collections. Newborns can also be registered through BookStart.

The Library’s satellite locations at Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School in Cay Hill and the Belvedere Community Center are scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, September 1, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The main Philipsburg branch is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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