Sint Maarten — Stichting Biblionef Netherlands, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, the Library of Sint Maarten, the Help Our Children Foundation, and the University of St. Martin (USM), is pleased to announce the Third Reading Festival: Sint Maarten Edition, taking place on September 25 and 26, 2026.
The two-day festival aims to inspire a love of reading among children, parents, and educators through engaging activities such as storytelling, workshops, interactive games, and visits from local and international authors. The event is made possible through the support of the Dutch Foundation for Literature and local sponsorship facilitated through the Help Our Children Foundation.
The festival will begin on Friday 25th September with a special program for Form 1 and Form 2 students from participating secondary schools, with activities taking place both at the schools and at USM.
Students will enjoy author visits, reading activities, workshops, and educational games. Form 1 students will participate in activities at USM, while Form 2 students will remain at their respective schools. Transportation will be provided for Form 1 students.
On Saturday, September 26, the festival will open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at USM. Families can enjoy author readings, creative workshops, and a variety of literacy-focused activities. Parents or guardians are asked to accompany children aged 12 and under.
More than 2,500 new books, educational materials, and language games will be distributed to schools and children across the island. Festival participants will also have the opportunity to win exciting prizes.
Following the festival, books and materials used during the event will be available through the Library of Sint Maarten.
