Ghosts in the attic – or basement? 

By Brandie Majeau 
A group of a dozen youths got to experience a unique evening.  Newbrook Public Library
hosted a tween and teen movie night and ghost-hunting activity.  As participants arrived, they
were greeted with smiling faces, slices of pizza and refreshments.  The sound of popping corn
and the smell of melting butter wafted from the kitchen doorway as the guests laughed and
enjoyed their evening meal.  The conference room was set up theater style, inviting you to tuck
into a chair and get comfy to watch the latest addition to the Ghostbusters movies.  Bags of
popcorn were passed down the rows and acted as dessert for the pizza feast. 
Anxious for what the rest of the evening would bring, many of the teens began drifting
away from the show.  Board games were set up, and rules were attempted to be figured out as
they waited for the movie fans to finish their show.  The credits rolled, and as the sun began to
dip towards the western horizon, librarian Tracy Woloshyniuk slung a bag over her shoulder,
and the group was led down the road to the Newbrook Observatory.  Before unlocking the door
to the living quarters, all were asked to be respectful of the historical property and the
residents living close by. The evening would now proceed in a quiet manner, perfectly suited to
the seriousness of the upcoming activity. 
Taking seats in a semi-circle, the group listened carefully as summer student Sydney
Sawchuk regaled them with spooky tales and talks of ghosts, stories about energies, and what
an entity might leave behind.  While there has yet to be confirmation of spirits lurking around
this home, you never know where the paranormal will show itself.  The shoulder bag was now
carefully opened.  Various motion sensors, night goggles, electromagnetic field detectors,
thermometers, white noise boxes and other supernatural investigation tools were placed in
waiting hands.  Anticipation mounted as the quest was explained. Groups moved from room to
room with catlike grace and stealth as they wielded the trade tools of amateur ghost hunters.
The occasional footstep was heard.  There was a shuffle of movement and a rustle of clothing. 
Were the sounds coming from the groups or something beyond? 
As imaginations opened and embraced the pursuit, soft screams would erupt,
occasionally resulting in someone running away from the room they were in.  Did something
brush against my hair? Why did that broom fall?  I think there are sounds coming from the
boarded-up crawl space in the basement.  Lights flickered on meters.  There were crackles in
the radio static.  Strangers became friends as they coaxed one another to follow electronic
readings and possible shadows.  As the sun set and darkness settled over the small house, it
was time for the game to end.  Every participant protested, begging for one more chance to
“look” around and demanding that this activity be repeated.  The short walk back to the library
was filled with stories about the experience.  One was heard remarking, “I don’t know what I
was expecting tonight, but that was way more fun than I thought I would have.” 
So, did they find any actual ghosts?  You’ll have to find someone who was there and ask
them.