ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Doctor, also known as Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, today announced that Howard County’s beloved time-traveling Little Free Library, the #HoCoTARDIS, has landed in “New Earth” at Rockburn Park in Elkridge. Exactly 20 years ago today, the Tenth Doctor, portrayed by David Tennant, embarked on his first full adventure in the TARDIS in the episode New Earth. Today, Howard County’s own TARDIS continues its journey by bringing books, imagination, and community connections to residents across the county.
Allons-y! The #HoCoTARDIS has found a new home on New Earth. That tiny blue structure first seen in Old Ellicott City’s Tiber Park really is bigger on the inside. It’s a traveling Little Free Library filled with thousands of stories than transverse time and designed to spark curiosity and bring people together through reading. As it continues its journey across Howard County, the Ship will help readers of all ages discover stories that inspire imagination, leisure, and connection.
Inspired by the iconic TARDIS (also referred to as “the Ship” and “the Box”) from the long-running science fiction series Doctor Who, the #HoCoTARDIS debuted in November 2025 at Tiber Park in Old Ellicott City as part of National Family Literacy Month. The unique, mobile Little Free Library promotes the simple but powerful idea: “Take a book, share a book.” Constructed by the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, the TARDIS has captured the imagination of residents and visitors alike, serving as both a literary hub and a whimsical public attraction.
The Box will continue to “travel” to additional locations throughout Howard County. County officials note that while plans are still developing, the possibility of an additional similarly inspired project remains, appropriately, shrouded in a bit of mystery.
The initiative was originally launched in recognition of National Family Literacy Month and Doctor Who Day, with the goal of supporting local businesses, increasing access to books, and creating opportunities for families to connect through reading.
#HoCoTARDIS is part of the global Little Free Library network, which aims to expand book access and build community through volunteer-led book sharing boxes. With more than 150,000 registered Little Free Libraries worldwide, and millions of books shared annually, the program continues to grow as a symbol of literacy and connection.
Howard County is home to nearly 50 Little Free Libraries, reinforcing its strong commitment to education, accessibility, and community engagement.
Residents are encouraged to visit the #HoCoTARDIS at Rockburn Branch Park, bring a book to share, take a book to enjoy, and take part in this one-of-a-kind literary adventure. Rockburn Branch Park has two main entrances. TARDIS visitors should enter the park at its West entrance (6105 Rockburn Branch Park Road, Elkridge, MD 21075) as it is located near the historic, white "Clover Hill” house that is up the hill from the playground, near the disc golf course.