The City Library's Scavenger Haunt!

by Christine, Chapman Branch

Have you ever wondered about the spookier side of Salt Lake City? Join us for a spooktacular City Library Scavenger Haunt! From September 26–October 31, teens and adults can stop by any City Library to pick up a spine-tingling zine and bingo card. Inside you’ll find the gory details about hair-raising haunted places around the city. Complete a bingo by participating in different activities from the bingo card, such as creating a D.I.Y. haunted house, checking out a scary movie from the Library, or visiting one of the reportedly haunted locations in the zine!  Once you complete a bingo, bring your card into any City Library and pick up a prize. Go for a blackout to earn your very own paranormal investigation logbook. 
​

Speaking of activities on the bingo card, don’t forget to attend the Chapman Ghost Hunt in October! In its 100+ year history, many strange occurrences have been reported at the Chapman Branch. On Friday, October 14, at 5:30pm, teens and adults will have the chance to learn about ghost hunting from Advanced Paranormal Services, then join an investigation to try to uncover Chapman's ghosts. Attendees can also enter a drawing to win ghost hunting tools. Will an eerie apparition reveal itself? Will books go bump in the night? We'll find out on this chilling October evening! To learn more and register click here.

Helpful equipment to bring with you when visiting Salt Lake City’s haunted spots: a pen and paper to track your observations, voice recorder, camera, flashlight, extra batteries, and a mobile phone for emergencies. As you gain more experience and interest, you may wish to invest in video cameras, digital laser thermometers, even electromagnetic radiation detectors!

Locations that traditionally have more paranormal activity include: battlefields, forts, cemeteries, schools, and houses. If you’ve completed the scavenger hunt and would like to continue your investigations, start with some of those locations. 

Before you go: do some research on your location. What is its haunted history? This will help prepare you for potential challenges and learn about any reported paranormal sightings in the area. Check out the location during the day so you will be familiar with it. 

Never investigate alone! It’s safer and more fun to work with a partner or group. And as an added bonus, if you see something interesting, you will have witnesses!

Be respectful of property owners and spirits. Always ask permission to conduct a paranormal investigation and never trespass after hours or on private property. Talk to the spirits, let them know you mean no harm, and ask permission to take pictures. When you leave, thank them and ask them not to follow you. Leave the location as you found it. 

Follow your instincts. If you feel like taking a picture of something, do it. If you feel an overwhelming need to leave, follow that instinct. 

​