Unexplained experiences at the library continue

With unexplained occurrences, comes more curiosity as to what is causing them.

Due to the overwhelming questions and requests about the Sweetwater County Library’s unexplained occurrences, in 2009 the first Ghost Walk, which was open to the public, happened.

Although, a similar program started in 2006 with the youth, it was the first time adults were invited to visit the library at night and see for themselves or experience for themselves just what some of those unexplained occurrences were.

These ghost walks were so popular they are still taking place now. In fact, the latest one occurred this weekend.

Sweetwater County reference librarian Micki Gilmore, who also runs a lot of the tours, said the one on Saturday night was amazing.

Usually, two ghost walks take place on the same night. The earlier ones, although interesting, have never had as much happen during them, however, Saturday night both walks were very active.

“I think people were really pleased,” Gilmore said. 

During the ghost walks, a ghost box that is designed to screen through radio frequencies to pick up voices is used. Gilmore said they were able to hear voices come through on it. One of the ladies on the walk was quite excited when she heard her unusual name spoken. When they asked the entity to say the women’s name again, they were not disappointed. The ghost walks are $10 per person and participants in the walk have a change to win a private tour by being the highest bidder in the silent auction. 

Although ghost walks are only available during September, October and December, unexplained occurrences happen throughout the year.

“It has become part of the library,” Gilmore said.

Gilmore wanted to make it clear that the unexplained occurrences are not the work of library employees.

“This is not some trick we pull for Halloween,” she said.

For example: some nights on the ghost walks the K-2, which is a device designed to pick up electronic fields, will light in spots where their should not be any electricity.

Gilmore said during some of the walks when participants ask a question, they get a response. Something none of them on the walk can explain.

“We don’t really know what’s going on, but we have a strong belief that if we treat them (the ghosts) with respect, we ask them to treat us with respect,” Gilmore said. “I think they are as curious of us, that we are of them.”

One time, when Gilmore was busy typing up an article on deadline, she felt a presence behind her. Gilmore said it felt as though a big man was standing behind her. She continued to work, but still felt the presence.

“I said, ‘I am sorry, but I have work to do,’” Gilmore recalled.

She said she had to say this twice, but then she felt nothing behind her anymore and she was able to finish her work.

Over the years, Gilmore has experienced a lot of unexplained occurrences at the library, but she can remember seeing three apparitions, two of which were within the last year and a half. She can recall the apparition in detail. It was a man with blonde hair and a tan shirt. He was walking through the youth services area and then just like that he vanished. 

Gilmore said that even though she knows things like this do happen in the library, she always has to second guess herself and determine if what she think she saw really happened.

During some of the ghost walks, the group experienced Electronic Voice Phenomenons. Which means they ask questions and record the session on a tape or digital recorder and play it back to hear voices the recorder can pick up, but people cannot hear at the time. So far, they have heard a few voices. One was a boy claiming to be William.

One that stands out the most was when library employee Bianca Jorgensen was conducting a ghost walk for the National Honor Society. She said the students had achieved a goal and as a reward asked the library for a private ghost walk. 

During this walk, all 40 of them were jammed into the women’s bathroom, where a lot of ghost log entries take place. While they were in the bathroom, they were conducting EVPs. It was the first time they ever heard an answer in real time. A girl responded from the handicapped accessible bathroom. Although the group could not make out what she said, they were all in agreement that they had all heard a girl’s voice.

“It’s the only time that I know of in this building where a disembodied voice was captured,” Jorgensen said.

Of course, the reports do not end there. Strange unexplained smells sometimes happen. Sometimes women in the youth department will feel their hand grabbed by a child, but when they look down there is no one there.

Gilmore said the whole purpose is to educate people about the unexplained occurrences at the library. People should not be afraid to visit the library, but they must know something weird might happen to them. Gilmore doesn’t think any of the supernatural visitors are there to harm anyone.

“I am as familiar with them as I am with these books,” she said.

Christmas Carol Ghost Walk

The next ghost walk will have a completely different feel. Gilmore explained December’s ghost walk is more like a dinner and a show. The evening kicks off with some actors from Actor’s Mission performing scenes from Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol.” Residents are encouraged to come in costumes related to the book. Warm drinks and many desserts will be served at this time.

After the entertainment portion, the participants will have a ghost walk through the building. There will be two sessions, one at 6 p.m. and another at 9 p.m., and those purchasing the $30 tickets will be asked to select a session. Patrons must be at least 15 years old to attend the event. Tickets will be available for purchase starting at 9 a.m. Nov. 3 at the library or by calling 307-875-3615 and using a credit or debit card.