Local Rotary Clubs are giving dictionaries to all third grade students in the area. This is an annual project of the worldwide civic organization to improve literacy and encourage youngsters to develop better communication skills.

In Rutherford County, 44 percent of adults read at or below the average third grade level. Ten percent read at or below the first grade level. Thirteen percent don't have a high school diploma. More than 12 percent live below the poverty level.

Literacy is vitally important to our community; it directly affects our economy, our community's educational attainment, and the health of our society.

Murfreesboro Rotary Club Dictionary Project Coordinator Ann Clark noted, "By giving each third grade student their own personal dictionary, perhaps they will expand their vocabulary, and keep it with them while reading. Hopefully, the youngsters will get in the habit of quickly going to the dictionary every time they come across an unfamiliar word."