CHIMACUM — Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary Club members brought about 70 dictionaries to Chimacum Elementary School on Thursday — and now they have nearly completed their mission of giving one of the books to each third-grader in Jefferson County.

The service club already has delivered dictionaries to the Port Townsend, Quilcene and Brinnon school districts.

Members will finish the task by giving five dictionaries to the Queets/Clearwater district in the next few weeks.

This is the 10th year the club has delivered the books, which are intended to enhance the child’s educational experience by providing a resource at home, according to a letter to parents.

“The members of the Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary Club believe very strongly in supporting our youth,” said the letter signed by club President Kathie Arnold.

“Providing this book is one important way our club demonstrates this commitment to our community.”

The American Heritage Children’s Dictionary, which has a list price of $19.95, is much like an encyclopedia.

More than a dictionary

The word list is enhanced with a series of illustrations, and the heavy, hardbound volume includes guides to parts of speech, phonics and spelling, and geography.

There are color pictures to teach the subtlety of language, such as showing a picture of a kiwi bird and a kiwi fruit side by side.

There also are notations about the origins of words and that define the difference between words with similar meanings, such as a promise, a pledge or a vow.

Six club members helped deliver the books, which were enthusiastically received by the children, especially when they saw their names inscribed.

While many of the students use computers, a dictionary is still a valuable tool.

“They really love the pictures,” said club member Margo Fishel.

“The dictionary shows the kids how to use resources, and having books in their hands still means a lot to them.”

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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.