6 haunted libraries you can actually visit (if you dare)

What’s lurking in the library stacks? More than just books, apparently. From “24-hour” librarians to peculiar patrons, legends say many libraries are home to ghosts, spirits, and otherworldly visitors.

Mark Leslie’s paranormal page-turner, Tomes of Terror, is a collection of true stories of the supernatural in literary locales, complete with hair-raising first-person accounts. We’re shining a flashlight on six of the haunted libraries featured in the book—each with its own chilling tale—followed by a reading list of fictional haunted libraries. 

Borrow the book to read even more spine-tingling tales of haunted libraries on the Libby app!

1. Willard Library – Evansville, Indiana

The oldest public library building in Indiana is also one of the most famously haunted. Since 1937, visitors and staff have reported sightings of the “Grey Lady,” a woman dressed in a long grey dress, grey shawl, grey shoes, and a grey veil. She’s believed to be Louise Carpenter, daughter of Willard Carpenter, who left his fortune to the library instead of his family. Louise, unhappy with the decision, may have a bone to pick with the library.

In 1999, Willard Library became the first to install a “Ghost Cam,” allowing curious viewers to watch for paranormal activity online—over two million people have tuned in.

2. Sweetwater County Library – Green River, Wyoming

Built atop a former cemetery, Sweetwater County Library has long been a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Although the graves were supposedly relocated, construction workers later discovered human remains—including a skull mistaken for a coconut.

Staff maintain a “ghost log” to record strange happenings: disembodied voices, tapping on bathroom walls, flickering lights, unexplained music, and strong smells like perfume or fish. The ghost is affectionately nicknamed “Casper the Friendly Ghost” or “Moaning Myrtle.”

3. Hutchinson Public Library – Hutchinson, Kansas

Ida Day Holzapel was a devoted librarian who served Hutchinson Public Library in Kansas for 24 years. Known as a “24-hour librarian,” she was deeply committed to her work. Tragically, she died in a car accident on the first day of a new job in California. Soon after, strange events began to unfold in the library back in Kansas.

One staff member reported speaking to a woman she didn’t recognize—later describing Ida in perfect detail, despite never meeting her. It seems Ida’s dedication to the library may have extended beyond her lifetime.

4. Waterdown Public Library – Dundas, Ontario

Paranormal activity at Waterdown Public Library began in 1978, shortly after a new elevator was installed. The elevator moves on its own, doors opening and closing with no passengers inside. Despite multiple inspections, no mechanical issues have ever been found.

A plaque near the elevator honors the town’s first settlers, including Merren Grierson—whose name, Merion Greirson, is misspelled. Some believe this error may have stirred the spirit, leading to the unexplained events.

5. University of British Columbia Library – Vancouver, British Columbia

This haunting doesn’t take place inside the library, but on the road leading to it. In the 1960s, a couple argued in their car on a rainy night en route to the UBC Library. The woman stepped out and was tragically struck by another vehicle.

Since then, young male drivers have reported picking up a female hitchhiker on similarly bleak evenings. She silently hands them a slip of paper with the library’s address—then vanishes without a trace.

6. Bridgeport Public Library – Bridgeport, Connecticut

On the sixth and seventh floors of the Bridgeport Public Library, a ghost named Lola is said to wander the historical stacks. Far from frightening, Lola is known to be helpful—staff have reported her finding lost items. There have also been reports of hearing the sounds of pages turning, lights flickering, and garage doors opening on their own. Lola’s presence is quiet but unmistakable.

👻 Libraries are places of knowledge, quiet, and… maybe something more. Got a spooky tale from your local library? Tell us about it on social @libby.app!

*Title availability may vary. 

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