Bikes for Books: Wells students win big in reading contest

WELLS, Maine — Wells Elementary School students who read the most books this year were awarded a new bike in recognition of their efforts.

Fifty-six bikes were handed out to students in grades 1-4 during an assembly on June 12 as part of the Masonic Bikes for Books reading program.

The program, in its ninth year, is coordinated with the Masonic Ocean Lodge 142 by literacy specialist Bonnie Esty.

The annual contest begins in the spring when students select school-approved books they find interesting and want to read. For every book finished, a student earns one entry into a classroom drawing.

Bicycles given out this year were ordered through Walmart for $8,000. As in past years, members of Ocean Lodge 142 assembled all of the bicycles.

The program is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Maine, the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation and donations from area businesses and individuals.

“The support from all of our local business owners and individuals was wonderful,” said Wayne Smith, a member of Lodge 142. "We could not make this happen without their generosity and ongoing support.”

According to Smith, about 450 bikes have been awarded to Wells Elementary School students since June 2015.

Bikes for Books brochure is a statewide initiative “to foster literacy programs in schools and encourage healthy exercise."