You may have seen them dotting municipal street corners and other locations in Highland County, small in scale but strategically crafted to withstand the weather and hold the cache of books encased within.

The presence of the Little Free Library installations in Highland County, where members of the public, in an effort to facilitate reading, are encouraged to, “Take a book. Share a book,” are the result of the efforts of the Altrusa of Highland County organization.

The Little Free Libraries that Altrusa established, which have peppered the county for the past decade, offer an opportunity for people to take books to read and leave books behind for others.

Under the auspices of Little Free Libraries, whose credo is, “Building community. Inspiring readers. Expanding book access,” the placement of the Little Free Libraries has been an ongoing process resulting in multiple locations throughout the county.

The organization’s contributions to the local community do not stop there.

Altrusa of Highland County is part of an international nonprofit organization, “making our local communities better through leadership, partnerships and service.” One of the ways this purpose is accomplished is through its efforts that encourage literacy.

According to Altrusa of Highland County President Mary Stanforth, “We do need permission,” prior to placing a Little Free Library, and sometimes the selection of a particular location for placement is, “because of the need in certain areas.”

Stanforth said that when the program was started, a Little Free Library was placed at the corner of East Main and South High streets in Hillsboro. After that, more locations were included.

Stanforth said that the building of the Little Free Libraries was a diversified local effort as well.

“Some were made by a local craftsman,” Stanforth said. Others came from, “industrial arts classes,” in Highland County. “One we purchased.”

Craft Destash, an Altrusa sponsored event, is planned for Saturday, March 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of Rent 2 Own on North High Street in Hillsboro. The event, returning after its popular showing last year, is an opportunity for local crafters to exchange and diversify their wares.

“It’s a place where crafters can sell craft supplies that they no longer use or need,” Stanforth said.

The Altrusa of Highland County website emphasizes the extent to which interested volunteers can help to make a difference in their local communities.

“Our club offers an opportunity to make a real difference in Highland County,” according to the website. “We undertake a variety of service, literacy, fundraising and international projects each year.

Stanforth said that in addition to helping the local communities, Altrusa collects donations and funding for international projects as well. She said the international projects help underprivileged people all around the world.

Little Free Library locations in Highland County include: Hillsboro at East Main Street, Hillsboro in the Highland County YMCA lobby, Greenfield at the City Building, Sinking Spring at the Community Church, North Shore Drive at the Rocky Fork Library, Leesburg Community Park next to the fire department, Paint Creek Nature Center, Mowrystown at the Presbyterian church.

For more information about Altrusa of Highland County, visit its website at https://districtfive.altrusa.org/highland-county.

Juliane Cartaino is a stringer for The Times-Gazette.