Howard County has introduced a novel twist to the community book-sharing concept with its latest Little Free Library, designed to mirror the TARDIS from the esteemed science fiction series "Doctor Who." This version, however, promises to boldly bring literature to various locations throughout the county rather than traversing the cosmos. According to WBALTV, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball celebrated the concept, linking it to the wider impact of reading on sparking curiosity and dreams.
Designed to coincide with "Doctor Who Day" on November 23, the quirky library initiative claims its place in a global movement where over 200,000 Little Free Libraries have circulated more than 70 million books, as reported by WBALTV.
"From 'Doctor Who' and 'Dune,' to 'Star Wars' to 'Star Trek,' reading ignites our curiosity and capacity to dream," Ball was quoted as saying in WBALTV's coverage of the event. In a nod to the show's legacy, Ball donned a scarf resembling that worn by Tom Baker, the Fourth Doctor, underlining the thematic approach of the unveiling.
This creative venture is more than just a nod to science fiction fandom; it is an invitation to the community to exchange books and expand their horizons. The #HoCoTARDIS, as it's hashtagged on social media, has been stationed in Old Ellicott City and is set to continue its journey around Howard County post-its initial display. This mobility aims to ensure a rotating realm of literature is readily accessible to those who seek it, as described by WMAR2News.
Local Whovians and residents are encouraged to participate by contributing their favorite science fiction titles, perhaps those featuring authors visited by the Doctor himself, like Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, and Shakespeare. Allie Krist of Backwater Books told WMAR2News, "Books are powerful. They show us who we are and who we could be. They build new worlds and teach us about our own."
