Wiscasset Elementary School second grader Leilani Doronio said she likes books about bugs best. Her classmate Graham Oyster prefers graphic novels like the popular series, “Plants vs Zombies.”  Starting Feb. 25, every book they and other WES students read earns them a chance to win a brand new bicycle and safety helmet.

School officials are teaming up with the Masons for their annual Bikes for Books campaign. Every time a WES student reads a book, they’ll earn an entry for the bicycle drawing. Students from kindergarten to grade five are invited to take part.

Maine Masons have been sponsoring the program promoting reading for young people since 2008.

“It’s the first one for our lodge,” said David Renfro. He’s a member of Lincoln Lodge No. 3 on Fort Hill Street, Wiscasset. “The nice thing is there’s no minimum on the number of books the kids need to read.  All of the books are age appropriate, and it’s voluntary.”

Principal Stacy White said the student body is pretty excited about the program. “What’s wonderful is that it involves the whole school so all the students have an opportunity to participate if they choose to.”

White added the school will kickoff Books for Bikes on the Monday following February vacation. The drawing is set for mid-April, before spring break.

Second grader Audrey Robinson loves reading books. She said having a chance to win a new bike is “awesome!” Her favorite books are the ones about dogs. She was reading “Otto Runs for President.”

Lincoln Lodge’s goal is to raise enough money to buy 12 bicycles and give away two bikes per grade. They plan to buythe bikes from Walmart. Along with private donations, Renfro said the Lodge has received contributions from businesses including Ames True Value, the Carl M. P. Larrabee Insurance Agency and Wiscasset Quik Stop.

Along with Renfro, Lincoln Lodge members David Sawyer and Jim Munson are helping raise funds to buy the bikes and helmets. The Lodge also hopes to  give away some gift cards at the drawing.

Lincoln Lodge is applying for funds from the Grand Lodge of Maine, sponsors of the Masonic Bikes for Books program.  According to their website the Grand Lodge matches $2 for every $1 earned for the first $500 raised. They also contribute $10 per helmet.

The Masons’ Books for Bikes is a nationwide program. It started in Maine in 2006. Masonic lodges in Bristol, Boothbay and Dresden also participate.

“This year alone approximately 90 Masonic Lodges throughout Maine will present nearly 2,500 bicycles to children participating in reading programs in local schools and public libraries,” states the Masonic Charitable Foundation website.

For more information, visit Masonic Bikes for Books on Facebook. To donate, call Renfro 350-8078, or Sawyer at 882-6035.