Library Notes



By John Tucker


Do you like tales of things that “go bump in the night?” What about investigations of historical people who appear to have a paranormal presence? When the re-runs on Syfy Network no longer “make the grade” come and see what Rowan Public Library has in its non-fiction Ghost story collection. For starters, you will want to pick up the book “Dark World” by Zac Bagans. Mr. Bagans is the former lead investigator of the Ghost Adventures Crew and his book includes “behind the scene” information on some of the most haunted places visited on the television show. In the name of time allocation, some of the film footage is left on the cutting room floor, so this story fills in the details. Every good ghost story requires details. Zac Bagans wants the reader to experience each haunting through his eyes; to feel what it’s like to be scared, pushed, cold, sluggish, whispered-to, creped-out…and more. Be sure to return it because books like this might just have more frights in store than a mere late fee.

Another book about the scientific approach to this topic is titled “Ghost Hunters written by Deborah Blum. Mrs. Blum follows the work of the Harvard professor of Psychiatry William James who founded the American Society for Psychical Research, and Henry Sidgwick of the British Society for Psychical Research. The book tells the story of these “early pioneers” of ESP and the studies on the afterlife. The results from their work are not far removed from recent paranormal investigations minus the computers, digital recorders and cameras. How can it be that in the same century that gave us the electric light, dynamos, telegraph and telephone...these scientists are so focused on paranormal investigations? I found it amazing to read about the people, places and institutions investigated back in the 1800’s. I think you will, too.

On the local front, the book titled “The Wettest and Wickedest Town” by Karen C. Lilly-Bowyer presents a collection of legends and ghost stories from right here in Salisbury, North Carolina. The book is the result of historical research and paranormal investigations with groups from Charlotte, Greensboro and Lexington. Local haunted sites include: the Wren House, Hall House, County Administration building and many more. This collection of haunted tales comprises the Downtown Ghost Walk which began in 2010. These stories are shared monthly as a walking tour during the “Night-Out-On-The-Town” hosted by the down town merchants of Salisbury.

Whether your inspiration for ghost hunting stories is to supplement your television viewing, your need for scientific proof, or a walk in the dark where ghost stories come to life; your next step should be directed to Rowan Public Library where many spirited books can haunt your curiosity.