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MADISON — The purpose of the Maine Masonic “Bikes for Books” program is to help establish a love of reading at a young age, especially to students throughout Maine’s elementary and middle schools. The objectives of the program are threefold:
* To increase student reading and comprehension skills;
* To recognize positive student achievements;
* To provide an attainable goal, with life enhancing results.
The Maine Masonic Bikes for Books program is in its 10th year of encouraging students to read. This year alone approximately 90 Masonic Lodges throughout Maine will present more than 3,000 bicycles to children participating in reading programs in local schools and public libraries. Evidence shows schools participating in the program are witnessing improved reading scores among their students. Books also enlighten, inspire, bring happiness and success, challenge our perspectives and provide comfort at difficult times in our lives.
Students are invited to participate in the program, and each time they read an age-appropriate book, their name goes into a drawing; the more they read, the better their chances of earning a new Huffy bike and safety helmet, which will be presented before the school closes for the summer.
The program was founded in 2007 at Madison Elementary School by Michael Theriault of Euclid Lodge 194. That year, 10 bikes and helmets were given to 10 very happy young readers. The program has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade. This year, the program will deliver its 10,000th bike Monday, June 5 at 8:30 a.m. at Madison Elementary School, 43 Learner’s Lane.
For more information, please visit the Masonic Bikes for Books Facebook page or reach the coordinator for Maine at bikesforbooks@myfairpoint.net.
