The Jeff Davis Parish Libraries and Rougarou Chapter of the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club are working together on a new incentive to motivate children and teens to read more books.

The program, “Reading with Rougarou” offers students an opportunity to earn a bicycle by reading books.

Now through Nov. 30, children and teens, ages 3-14, will earn a chance to win a bicycle by reading books. For each book completed, the students will earn a chance to win a bicycle in December.

The more books a student reads, the more chances they have to
win the bicycle, Lake Arthur Library Youth Program Director Ressie Stutes said.

“The program is all about trying to get children to read more with an incentive of a bicycle right before Christmas,” she said.

Children, ages 3-7, will receive one entry for every 20 non-fiction juvenile books read. They do not have to stop at the 20, they can continue, she said.

“Every time they read 20 they will get an entry to the contest,” Stutes said.

The 8-14 age group will receive one entry for every three chapter books read.

“Everyone is encouraged to read as much as possible and are allowed to enter as many completed reading logs as possible,” she said.

Children and teens will select their own books.

“It’s just an incentive for them to read more and when I spoke with the Rougarou Punishers they were all for it because they are a non-profit organization they were on board with donating five bicycles – one bicycle for each library branch – to help the children get excited about reading,” she said.

Stutes hopes the program will keep children interested in reading in between summer reading programs and increase an awareness about the resources available at the local libraries.

In addition to books and reading programs, the libraries also provide services to the public, including help with applying for government assistance, including food stamps and Social Security. The libraries also offer assistance with homework websites and have Chromebooks available for students to do homework.

“We have so much to offer that the public does not actually know about and we are trying to get the word out,” she said.

Once the contest ends, winners will be drawn and parents will be notified. A party for the winner will be held at each branch library. Representatives from both the Jeff Davis Parish Library and the Rougarou Chapter of the Punishers LEMC will deliver the bicycles to each community.

Winners will also have photographs taken for area newspapers.

“So far the children that are involved are excited,” Stutes said. “I don’t know if it’s the excitement coming from the fact that the motorcycles will be here or they actually get a bicycle or maybe both.”

Contest rules and reading logs are available at each library branch.