TARDIS little free library transports book lovers to a literary escape

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Some might say little free libraries are magical. They pop up in neighborhoods and act as a meeting point for well-loved books that are looking to find a new reader. One Wausau family took that magic to a whole new level.

It might look like an old-fashioned English phone booth on the outside, but on the inside, it is filled with books and plenty of references to the long-running sci-fi television show ‘Doctor Who.’ It is a ‘TARDIS,’ which is a time and space travel machine that the titular character, Dr. Who, uses to fight evil.

The Nowak family’s love for the show is clear to see from their TARDIS-themed little free library, but their love for those in the community is even more magical.

Ryan and Heather Nowak love reading, and ‘Doctor Who’ has been part of Ryan’s life since about 2009.

“I always said that my number one goal, if we ever get a house, well, I was going to build my own little lending library,” Ryan said.

Five years ago, the Nowaks closed on their first home, and the work began. A full year of designing and building the TARDIS piece by piece before it was assembled in place on their front lawn.

Instead of transporting people to different places or times, the Nowaks hope people are transported into their very own reading universe.

“Honestly, if we can get a book in the hands of everybody that walks by, that makes our day,” said Heather.

“It makes it all more worthwhile to spend hours in the consignment shops and garage sales, you know, hunting for the best deals,” Ryan added.

Inside their home, the Nowaks have a stockpile of additional books. They try to keep a variety of genres so every community member can pick something they enjoy reading.

The little lending library has visitors all year long.

“We’ve had a lot of selfies,” said Ryan. “I’ve seen a lot of people stop by, not even necessarily knowing it’s a lending library, you know, those just come up and take a picture because it’s the TARDIS, and then they realize it’s a lending library, and then they freak out more.”

To keep it full, the Nowaks rely on book sales and the help of their neighbors.

“We had a nice lady who actually donated a box of children’s books,” said Heather.

You can find the TARDIS little free library on Steuben Street in Wausau.

The Nowaks invite you to take or leave a book if you are stopping by.

“He loves to spice it up for the kids,” said Heather. “He’ll add like little trinkets in there, and then for people who walk their dogs, he’ll put little doggy treats or doggy toys in their little zip lock bags, so everybody always has something fun.”

There are many other little free libraries around Wausau. This website can help you find the ones closest to you.

Outside of the library, Ryan also crochets ‘Doctor Who’ dolls and plushies. His Facebook ‘Crocheted Timelord’ details some of his creations and charity work. Recently, Ryan donated a box of crochet bears for children experiencing mental health issues to the Wausau Police Department.