The effort by Altrusa of Highland County to keep the love of reading books alive is commendable.

As noted in a story in Thursday’s Times-Gazette, Altrusa has installed seven Little Free Libraries since 2012. The small, quaint, brightly decorated little “libraries” could be mistaken for bird houses. But the idea behind them is big.

The Little Free Libraries provided by Altrusa are located in Hillsboro, Greenfield, Mowrystown, and Sinking Spring, as well as in the Rocky Fork Lake and Paint Creek areas.

Inside the libraries are books for both adults and children, according to Altrusa members Jane Tissot and Janet Butler, and borrowers are able to examine the books and take one or several with them to read. The Little Free Libraries are checked regularly by Altrusa members and are filled as needed.

In our digital age, the popularity of physical, bound books has predictably waned. But there is magic in holding a book, turning the pages, and discovering the joy, mystery, adventure or knowledge within, revealed in a way that no digital device can match. Thanks to Altrusa for keeping the appreciation for books flourishing.