LYNN — As the summer comes to an end, a group of excited kids from kindergarten to fifth grade gathered at the Lynn Public Library to see if they would be chosen to win a new bicycle as a reward for completing the library’s summer reading program.
One girl and one boy from each grade was chosen through a raffle to be the lucky recipients of these new bikes which also came with a shiny new helmet and bike lock.
The raffle, part of the second annual Read and Ride program taking place in the Lynn Public Library, was possible thanks to donations from The Knights of Pythias and Friends of the Lynn Public Library.
Former Lynn resident and Grand Lodge of the Knights of Pythias Supreme Representative Joseph B. Haskell said he was excited to take part in the event.
“It’s fabulous,” Haskell said. “The kids win by expanding their reading and education and the library gets more kids to read.”
Friends of the Lynn Public Library Treasurer Paula Joyal marveled at the look on the faces of the children who won the raffle.
“They’re just so excited,” she said.
One lucky winner was Stephen Hoffman, 10, from Lynn. Although Stephen, who is away at camp, couldn’t make it to the event his mother, Cheryl, said that he would be so excited to learn that he was rewarded for reading some of his favorite books, like “Goosebumps” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”
Although not everyone was chosen to receive a bike, kids were still treated to fun stories by author Mark Binder. The storyteller had kids reading along to “The Three Little Pigs” and laughing at “The Boy With Bad Manners” while encouraging kids to read everyday.
Abigail Dowe, 8, listened to the stories and said she had a lot of fun reading this summer. Although she didn’t win a bike, Abigail said that she’ll be back reading next summer for another chance at a sweet new ride.
