6 Libraries Rumored to Be Haunted

While libraries are often seen as calm and isolated spaces, not all of them are as serene as they appear. These six libraries are reputed to host more than just book lovers and academics browsing their collections.

The New York Public Library // New York, New York, United States

The New York Public Library, the largest public library system in the United States, was created through the merger of several New York City libraries. Among them was the Astor Library, known for its eerie past. In 1860, the New York Evening Post reported a ghostly encounter at the library. Dr. Cogswell, the librarian at the time, claimed to have witnessed the spirit of a recently deceased doctor in the section dedicated to supernatural literature. Cogswell recounted that the specter vanished each of the three times he tried to communicate with it.

Senate House Library, University of London // London, England

The University of London includes multiple universities and colleges, among them the Senate House Library, which has been rumored to be haunted ever since it obtained the Harry Price Collection of Magical Literature. This collection belonged to the renowned supernatural investigator. Since acquiring the materials, the library has experienced numerous unexplained phenomena, such as reports of a glowing female figure and books appearing to hover in the air.

Marsh’s Library // Dublin, Ireland

Established in the 18th century, Marsh’s Library in Dublin remains one of the few libraries from that era still in use. Bram Stoker, during his youth, frequented the library and requested access to various items in its collection, including works referencing Vlad the Impaler, who later inspired his iconic novel.

Beyond its connection to Dracula, the library is also known for its eerie atmosphere. It is said to be haunted by its founder, Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, and some believe the ghost of author Jonathan Smith also roams the premises. (Perhaps he’s drawn to the library’s possession of his skull.)

State Library Victoria // Melbourne, Australia

With over 150 years of history, this library has naturally gathered its share of supernatural tales over time. Staff members have recounted various odd incidents, such as books mysteriously falling off shelves and a ghost said to linger in the room where the library’s piano was kept. Security guards have also reported encountering apparitions, with some even refusing to work night shifts due to these unsettling experiences.

Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University // New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Yale University boasts several locations with spooky reputations, including the enigmatic Skull and Bones society. Among these, the Sterling Memorial Library stands out with its own haunted past. Known for its labyrinthine book towers, the library is rumored to be home to spirits. One of these ghosts is believed to be benevolent—reportedly, the apparition of a long-deceased librarian still assists Yale students with their academic pursuits.

The Los Angeles Public Library // Los Angeles, California, United States

The Los Angeles Public Library, with its extensive network of branches, is filled with tales of the paranormal. At the Cypress Park branch, ghostly figures have been spotted, and visitors have reported feeling an eerie coldness in the section dedicated to occult literature. The Brentwood and Valley Plaza branches are also rumored to be haunted by the spirits of former librarians, with some patrons claiming to witness these ghosts still carrying out their duties.

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