There’s something special about an actual letter.

As beneficial as digital connectivity is — and certainly it has never been more so than during this strange year — a physical letter or postcard bearing actual human handwriting is always a welcome surprise.

The city of Port Townsend Public Library’s new program “Letters from the Library” allows people to make a gift of that feeling by requesting a postcard or letter, either handwritten or typed, be sent to a specified recipient.

Though new, the program is not specifically a holiday offering, explained Library Director Melody Sky Eisler. Instead, she described it as a way for people to spread “random acts of kindness” and for the library to stay in touch with the community despite facility restrictions.

“I think it’s something that will carry on past [the holidays],” Eisler said.

Would-be requesters can visit the library website and order either a library themed postcard or a letter, handwritten or typed in large print for easier reading, specifying the name and address of the intended recipient, and also if there is any specific reason for the message or special regards that should be included.

Then, library staff get to work on the correspondence and put it in the mail.

“It’s just something everybody feels really good about,” Eisler said.

Staff members, she added, have been very excited about the undertaking, which she feels in keeping with a renewed emphasis on simple joys in light of the harsh year now winding down.

“One of the beautiful parts of 2020 is there has been a revival of people taking the time to sit down and do things like write letters,” Eisler said. “It’s something that’s easy to do but makes a difference. It’s a big return on investment.”

Eisler said the program was inspired by a similar undertaking at a library in the Midwest.

Visit www.ptpubliclibrary.org/library/webform/letters-library to learn more and request a letter.