Philipsburg, St. Maarten – The development of the Point Blanche Prison Satellite Library took another step forward last month with its first Book Club activity, bringing together prisoners, the Sint Maarten Library, international volunteers and prisoner volunteers to discuss “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.
Facilitated by a Sint Maarten librarian, the session created space for reflection and exchange and marked the beginning of a series of reading, literacy and cultural activities. Through the joint reading and discussion, participants explored the story of a young shepherd searching for treasure, only to discover through his journey that the true treasure lies in his own personal transformation.
The session was organized under the Under the Hood Program, with international volunteers working alongside prisoner volunteers. Prisoner volunteers are playing an active role in supporting these activities and will also contribute to the development of the library, including the organization of its collection and preparation of the new library space.
The activity builds on the recent agreement between the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS) and the Sint Maarten Library to establish the prison library as a satellite library connected to the wider public library system. The partnership aims to expand access to books and professional library services while creating regular opportunities for reading, learning and personal development.
The initiative forms part of the broader Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP), led by the Ministry of Justice with technical support from UNODC and implemented in partnership with Tur Cos Ta Posibel.
Work will continue in the coming months to renovate and equip the new library space, organize and expand the book collection, train staff and prisoner library assistants, and develop regular reading and library activities at Point Blanche Prison.
