The Sint Maarten Library encourages all students to become members. The most valuable card in a child’s wallet is a library card. Children of all ages, from zero to 18, can register free.
All parents need to share their love of reading with their children by signing them up at the library. Spark your child’s imagination and learning – most learning happens through exploration and interaction. Consider making the library part of your child’s academic year 2024-2025.
The Sint Maarten Library is always excited to work with schools at all levels, from day-care to secondary, and to assist parents in helping children reach their full potential. The library plays a vital role, serving as a cornerstone guiding you to the right complementary resources that children need for their homework, research, and books that cater to their vocabulary building and leisure.
Visit one of the three locations: 1) Cay Hill at the Asha Stevens Christian School; 2) Belvedere at the Community Centre; and 3) Philipsburg, upstairs the Adolphus Richardson Building.
Signing up is easy: Simply provide a recent passport-sized photo and a completed form, and the card will be issued immediately. There is a wide variety of age-appropriate collections; regulations specify how many tangible books can be borrowed per age category; try something new when you borrow with your library card – you can borrow board games as well.
In addition to printed materials, the library offers free online services from the digital platform. These include libraries such as Overdrive Libby and the National Library of the Netherlands (in Dutch, Koninklijke Bibliotheek [KB]) that offers e-books in a variety of languages. No matter where you are, you can take the library with you! Get the eBook apps for your digital devices.
Sint Maarten Library also reads and airs stories virtually. Visit the virtual story time for Raising Readers ages 0-5 on Wednesdays, and Creating Readers on Saturdays for ages 5 and older. For teenagers, there are virtual book talks where they read and discuss a selected book online. The library also has a collection specifically geared towards teenagers, allowing them to explore entrepreneurial opportunities with their talents.
Furthermore, students can make use of additional services such as printing and scanning, and they are welcome to work on their projects on the computers or hands-on in the available space at all locations. The Sint Maarten Library is hosting a membership drive for all primary- and secondary-schools. School managers are invited to contact the library to register their students as members or to find solutions to re-engage current members and foster a love for reading.
Schools can also schedule library tours, which will inspire and encourage students to become avid readers. Additionally, you can invite librarians to visit your school to conduct reading promotion sessions, participate in career fairs, and provide information about the services offered. The Sint Maarten Library also offers school-based assignment experiences. Schools can contact the library for their work experience programs or community-based programs.
Throughout the academic year, the library hosts a variety of activities and special programs where schools and parents can bring their children to participate and enjoy. Encourage children to check out books. You can find these programs at www.library.sx, and the library’s social media platforms.
