Haunting the halls

Just in time for Halloween comes an article from ALIA on the five most haunted libraries
Number one is the Marsh's Library in Dublin, Ireland, it was founded in 1701 by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh. Marsh's Library was actually the first Public Library in Ireland.

Many have reported seeing the creator of the Library, Marsh himself roaming around the library. He is known to like moving the books around and then the next day it's all back in order. He has somewhat of a sense of humour it seems. Some also say that he is searching for a letter and that is why he still roams but he could also be a nosy ghost and making sure his library is in good condition.

The entrance to Marsh's Library

The Templo de la Compania de Jesus, Morelia

Second is the Morelia Public Library in Michoacan, Mexico is known for it's history, beauty, and ghosts! The library dates back from the 17th century when it was built as a church for the adjoining Palacio Clavijero, and known as the Temple of the Company of Jesus. In 1930 after being used for many functions it was made into a library.

According to reports a nun dressed in blue that dates back from the 16th century has been haunting the library for many years. Also even members of the library have said that they get a paralysed feeling and they felt like a strange unknown presence was around them.

At number 3 is Rammerscales House is located in Dumfries in Scotland. It's a 18th century Georgian house that has an impressive library with Jacobite relics, books, and 20th century paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.But this 18th century home didn't lose it's former owner, James Mounsey who likes to spend his time in the library. He must be a frightening ghost because legend has it that two people in World War II were spending a night in Rammerscales and were so frightened by the ghost of Mounsey that they decided to sleep in the stables.

Rammerscales

Fourth is our own State Library of Victoria in Melbourne. The library established in 1854, holds over 2 million books, it has historical diaries, the armor of Ned Kelly, and impressive history but it has it's ghosts too! One ghost in particular is a deceased librarian who likes to hang out in the child's books. Maybe she remembers reading to the child. Another ghost is an unknown gentleman who likes to roam the library halls. Security guards have seen strange things on the stairs like glowing balls.

The State Library at night - spookier

And finally at 5 is The British Library the national library of the United Kingdom and it has wide range of things for any researcher out there. It indeed seems to a very impressive place and a must-see place for any librarian fanatic before they depart. Speaking of departing some don't ever want to depart of the place but do we really blame them? According to the Sunday Times, in an 1996 article they reported of workmen who were remodeling the library said that they saw a man in 18th century clothing weeping. Not sure why the ghostly man was weeping but maybe he didn't much care for the changes. All joking aside it is a known fact that ghosts don't like change and that's when a lot of activity starts happening when someone is remodeling a home or a public building.

The modern facade of the British Library