The Rye Free Reading Room is calling Rye students in grades 4 through 12 to sign up for its Ninth Annual Spelling Bee, scheduled for Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Winners will take home grand prizes and earn a spot on the library's permanent Spelling Bee trophy, according to the library's website. Registration is available through the library's website.
The bee has become a Veterans Day tradition at the Rye Free Reading Room, located at 1061 Boston Post Rd. The event has run every November for nearly a decade, growing its field along the way.
Last year's eighth annual contest drew competitors across grades 4 through 12, marking the first year elementary students in grades 4 and 5 were eligible. Before 2025, only middle and high school students could enter.
High school spellers at the 2025 bee competed for a $2,500 prize. Middle school contestants vied for $500.
The 2026 announcement, posted by Doreen Munsie on the library's website on Sept. 20, does not list specific prize amounts or a start time for this year's event. Families should check the library's website for updated details as Nov. 11 approaches.
The 2025 bee ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library's Meeting Room and was open to the whole community to attend and cheer on competitors. Whether the same schedule and spectator policy apply in 2026 has not been confirmed.
Students interested in competing on Nov. 11 can register through the Rye Free Reading Room's website.
Upcoming
- Ninth Annual Spelling Bee: Wednesday, Nov. 11, Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Rd. Registration available through the library's website.
