15 Haunted Libraries and Bookstores for Brave Book Lovers

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The Library of Congress, Washington D.C., USA

The Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, is a place of both grandeur and mystery. Many have reported strange occurrences within its vast halls, including inexplicable noises and cold spots. The library is filled with rare books and historical documents, some of which are believed to have connections to paranormal activity. The ghost of a former librarian is said to wander through the stacks, adding an eerie vibe to this beautiful institution.

Visiting this library at night would give the brave a chance to witness what some believe are supernatural manifestations. The haunting reports are particularly linked to the library’s rare book collection, which is thought to contain items that may have stirred otherworldly energies. The estimated market value of the building and its priceless collections is in the billions, though the haunting is an intangible part of its history.

The Bodleian Library, Oxford, UK

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and with its centuries of history, it holds many secrets. Over the years, numerous reports of ghostly apparitions and strange noises have emerged from within its walls. Some believe the spirits of past scholars, who once spent their lives within the library’s walls, continue to haunt it. The most well-known ghost is said to be that of a former librarian, who reportedly walks the aisles in search of a long-lost book.

This library’s rich history of academic pursuit seems to have left an imprint on its environment. The haunting is especially pronounced after dark, when the echoes of footsteps and whispers fill the air. The estimated value of the Bodleian Library is not just in its books but in its historical significance, making it an invaluable part of Oxford’s academic legacy.

The Strahov Monastic Library, Prague, Czech Republic

Known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and breathtaking collection, the Strahov Monastic Library is also home to strange occurrences. Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing the sounds of footsteps in empty rooms. The library holds over 200,000 volumes of historical texts, some of which are linked to mysterious occurrences. The most well-known story involves a ghostly figure that appears near the theological section, where books from the 16th century are stored.

The library’s ancient texts and religious relics are believed by some to be tied to its paranormal activity. Scholars and paranormal enthusiasts alike often visit in hopes of encountering something otherworldly. The estimated market value of the Strahov Monastic Library, with its vast collection and historical importance, is invaluable to the Czech cultural landscape.

The Edinburgh Central Library, Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh’s Central Library is not only home to a vast array of literary works but also to numerous ghost stories. People have reported hearing books fall from shelves without anyone nearby, as well as feeling sudden cold drafts in certain areas of the library. One of the most chilling accounts involves a shadowy figure seen near the reading room. Locals believe that the spirits of past Edinburgh residents, particularly from the city’s darker past, continue to roam the library.

Many claim that the library’s location, near the site of the old city prison, may be the source of its eerie reputation. The library itself, with its historic building, adds to the mysterious atmosphere. The estimated market value of this library lies in its unique collections and deep-rooted connection to the city’s literary history.

The New York Public Library, New York City, USA

The New York Public Library, with its iconic lions guarding the entrance, has been the site of several ghostly encounters. Reports of books moving on their own, unexplained footsteps, and eerie voices echoing through empty halls have circulated for years. Some say the spirits of past patrons and staff, who spent countless hours in the library, have never truly left. A particular story involves a librarian who is said to haunt the library at night, keeping watch over the books.

The library’s large collection of rare books and historical records is thought to be a magnet for paranormal activity. While the building’s value is primarily historical and architectural, its reputation for supernatural events has made it a popular spot for those interested in the paranormal. The library’s current market value is not only a reflection of its land and building but the irreplaceable cultural heritage it holds.

The Rookwood Cemetery and Library, Sydney, Australia

Rookwood Cemetery, one of the largest cemeteries in the Southern Hemisphere, is home to a library that has seen its share of paranormal activity. Visitors have often reported hearing unexplained noises and seeing ghostly figures near the library’s bookshelves. Some even claim to have encountered the spirits of those buried in the cemetery, walking through the library in search of lost knowledge. The library itself holds documents related to the cemetery’s long history, which spans over 150 years.

The eerie connection between the cemetery and the library only adds to its chilling reputation. The library is often visited by those intrigued by both its historical significance and its haunting stories. The estimated market value of this library is tied to its role as a repository of historical documents and records, although its paranormal association is its most talked-about feature.

The Old Library at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

Trinity College’s Old Library is a place of both historical richness and spooky rumors. The haunting stories surrounding this library are primarily centered around the long corridor known as the “Long Room,” which houses the Book of Kells. It is said that the spirit of an old scholar roams the library, still guarding the ancient manuscripts. Visitors have reported feeling a sudden drop in temperature or hearing footsteps echo through the vast hall.

The library is famous for its architecture and rare collection of manuscripts, adding to its allure for both scholars and paranormal enthusiasts. The haunting reports only enhance the library’s mysterious charm. With the value of the library being immeasurable due to its rare collections, it remains one of the most significant historical libraries in Ireland.

The American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

The American Antiquarian Society, dedicated to preserving American history, is known for its vast collection of rare books and documents. However, it is also known for being a hotspot for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported hearing whispers and footsteps in the halls when no one is present. The spirits of past patrons and scholars are believed to still wander the library, particularly in the rare book sections, where the oldest manuscripts are stored.

The society’s reputation for being both a historical gem and a haunted location has made it a popular spot for those interested in the paranormal. The library’s true market value is difficult to determine, as it is the owner of priceless collections that document early American history. Despite its haunting, it remains one of the most respected libraries in the country.

The Mütter Museum, Philadelphia, USA

The Mütter Museum, although not a traditional library, is home to a vast collection of medical books and historical records. It is said to be haunted by the spirits of former patients and doctors who once walked its halls. The museum’s library, which holds rare medical texts, is particularly known for its eerie atmosphere, with visitors reporting a sense of being watched. One of the most common stories involves a shadowy figure seen near the library’s archives, which house specimens of early medical practices.

The museum’s historical and eerie significance attracts both academics and paranormal enthusiasts. Its value is not just in its medical collections but in the unique experience it offers those who seek to learn about the history of medicine while encountering the unexplained. The Mütter Museum’s market value is largely based on its rare collections, but its haunted reputation also draws visitors in search of both knowledge and the supernatural.

The Paris Catacombs Library, Paris, France

The Paris Catacombs Library is an underground library located within the eerie catacombs of Paris. This unique library is housed in the same tunnels where the bones of millions of Parisians are interred. Over the years, there have been reports of paranormal activity, particularly near the bookshelves that hold texts related to the city’s macabre history. Ghostly whispers and unexplained flickering lights are frequently encountered by those who venture into this chilling library.

The library’s value is tied to its connection to the catacombs, an integral part of Paris’s dark history. Visitors often describe the atmosphere as oppressive, filled with a sense of dread mixed with fascination. The library’s market value is difficult to estimate due to its hidden nature, but it remains one of the most unique and spooky places in Paris.

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library located in Alexandria, is a tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was once the center of knowledge in the ancient world. While the modern structure is filled with beautiful architecture and thousands of books, it is also rumored to be haunted by the spirits of ancient scholars. There have been reports of eerie noises and strange occurrences, particularly in the sections dedicated to the library’s ancient collections.

The library’s true value lies in its historical connections, as it seeks to preserve the ancient knowledge that was lost in the destruction of its predecessor. Though its haunting stories add to its mystery, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina continues to be one of the most respected libraries in the world. Its market value is immeasurable, as it represents both the rich cultural history of Alexandria and the legacy of ancient scholarship.

The El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Originally a theater, El Ateneo Grand Splendid was transformed into a bookstore that retains its old-world charm. The bookstore is known for its beautiful décor and vast collection of books, but it is also the site of many paranormal events. Ghosts of former theatergoers and staff are said to still wander the premises, particularly near the grand stage area. Visitors report hearing whispers and footsteps in empty aisles, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Despite the spooky stories, El Ateneo is one of the most beloved bookstores in the world, praised for its breathtaking beauty and historical significance. Its market value lies in its ability to combine the old with the new, offering both a rich cultural experience and a connection to a storied past. It is a popular destination for both book lovers and those fascinated by its haunted reputation.

The Whitby Bookshop, Whitby, England

The Whitby Bookshop is located in a town known for its connections to Dracula and Victorian-era ghost stories. The bookshop is famous for its vast collection of Gothic and horror novels, which many believe contribute to its eerie atmosphere. The shop is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a Victorian woman who was once a regular patron, and visitors have reported seeing her ghost in the aisles. The bookstore is located near the graveyard of St. Mary’s Church, which only adds to its haunted reputation.

The Whitby Bookshop is a must-visit for fans of Gothic fiction, but it also attracts those with an interest in the paranormal. Its market value is linked to its unique location and its role in the literary scene, but the eerie stories surrounding it ensure that it stands out among England’s haunted bookshops. The combination of its historic setting and spectral stories makes it an unforgettable experience.

The Labyrinth Bookstore, New York City, USA

Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Labyrinth Bookstore is known for its extensive collection of rare books and mysterious atmosphere. It has been the subject of numerous ghost sightings, with people reporting strange occurrences such as books moving on their own and an inexplicable chill in certain sections of the store. Some say the ghosts of past book collectors still haunt the store, searching for lost literary treasures.

The Labyrinth is a must-visit destination for book lovers, but its supernatural reputation adds an extra layer of intrigue. The value of the store lies in its vast collection, but the eerie atmosphere makes it an intriguing spot for those interested in both literature and the paranormal. It is a unique destination that has drawn both scholarly attention and ghost hunters alike.

The Ramsdell Public Library, Great Barrington, Massachusetts, USA

The Ramsdell Public Library is known for more than just its extensive book collection; it is famous for its ghost stories. Visitors have reported hearing the sound of a woman’s laughter echoing through the library’s old wooden floors, as well as the faint sound of footsteps when no one is around. Many believe the library is haunted by a former librarian who passed away in the building. Some say her spirit still watches over the collection.

The library is situated in a small New England town, which adds to its quaint charm. The library’s value lies in its role as a community hub, but it is the haunting stories that give it a special place in local lore. The eerie encounters are what draw visitors who wish to experience both history and mystery.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.