If you’ve ever felt a mysterious chill in the air, heard footsteps in an empty hallway, or wondered if that creaky noise was more than just the wind, Franklin County Public Library now has a way to help you investigate.
That’s right—alongside books, movies, and museum passes, you can now check out ghost hunting kits from our library. Perfect for the curious, the adventurous, and the skeptics alike, these kits give an opportunity to explore the paranormal world right from your own backyard… or basement.
Why Is the Library Offering This?
Years ago, early on in my career, I remember being asked by a manager, “What can the library offer for check-out that is not a book?” Items that supplement the wide variety of books offered became known as a “Library of Things.”
Advanced Ghost Hunting Kit
I have seen libraries offer uniquely shaped cake pans to go along with cake decorating books, pickleball kits, crafting kits, and the list goes on. So, I asked the same of my staff, which sparked a suggestion for a ghost hunting kit. We thought, what could we do for patrons who love mysteries, local folklore, and the unknown? Libraries have always been about exploration—of knowledge, stories, and mysteries. By offering ghost hunting kits, we are providing a new and unique way for the community to engage with history, science, and local folklore. It’s also a fun tie-in to the library’s collection of ghost stories, local history books, and supernatural fiction.
So, where does one find a kit? Can you make one? Can you buy one? What’s in a kit? These are all great questions. I was directed to a coworker whose fiancé works for a local ghost hunting kit company. I then contacted GhostStop®, located in Lynchburg, Virginia. GhostStop and its products have been featured on many networks such as Discovery+, The Travel Channel, A&E, Syfy, and shows like Ghost Hunters, to name a few. At GhostStop, I found everything I would ever need or didn’t even know I would need for paranormal exploration.
What’s in a Ghost Hunting Kit?
Each kit contains a selection of basic tools used by paranormal enthusiasts:
- EMF (Electromagnetic Field) Detector – Used to detect fluctuations in electromagnetic energy, sometimes believed to indicate a spirit’s presence.
- SBox Ghost Scanner (in the advanced kit) – Spirit box radio frequency sweep scanner and recorder.
- EVP Wrist Recorder – Captures mysterious sounds or potential “EVPs” (electronic voice phenomena).
- Flashlight – Because investigating in the dark is exciting…but safety comes first.
- How to Hunt Ghosts (a book in the learner kit) – Teaches the novice ghost hunter the basics of investigating the paranormal.
- User Guide – Instructions, safety tips, and a reminder to respect both the living and the dead.
A Community Connection to the Paranormal
Many towns have their own legends: an abandoned schoolhouse with lights flickering at night, a historic theater where an actress never left the stage, or a bridge where unexplained whispers carry in the wind. With the library’s ghost hunting kits, patrons can explore these kinds of places in a safe, respectful, and research-oriented way.
Our kits have been used in unique ways already. In October 2024, our county parks and recreation department hosted a spooky stories program in a local park. The library was elated to hear that we had a resource they could use to make their program even more engaging and mysterious. Attendees of all ages were given a demonstration and then got their chance to explore the park with the fun equipment. We have been requested to return to this year’s Spooky Smores & Fireside Tales.
We then were approached by a local reporter for the Roanoke Times and the Franklin News Post. He was covering a story about Tom Carter, a paranormal investigator and professor of journalism and other communication courses at Roanoke College. Tom was searching two sites in our town rumored to be haunted: Early Inn at the Grove in Rocky Mount and The Alley Cat, a bar inside the Rakes Building. The kit was featured in a Franklin News Post article titled “Ghost Hunting in Rocky Mount.” While Tom had his own equipment, he mentioned our ghost hunting kit in the article, saying, “It’s got the things you need” for your own investigation. The article also featured a picture of our kit. When the word got out, our kit was in high demand, prompting the library to buy two more kits.
Autumn brings us falling leaves, a chill in the air, and for some, this is the time of year to enjoy spooky stories, explore folklore, and the supernatural element. This October, we are offering programs at the library featuring the paranormal. On October 2nd, we had a Scary Stories Presentation & Discussion with Tina L. Hanlon and Lana A. Whited from the Ferrum College Department of English. We examined why scary tales appeal to us and why reading them has actual benefits. For younger readers, these include monster stories and folktales with supernatural elements, such as the Jack Tales of the Appalachian Mountains. Teen and adult readers explore their fears in horror or dystopian novels. On a more technical, field-oriented note, our “Ghost Hunting 101” presentation will feature paranormal investigators from GhostStop who will share tips and tools for getting started in ghost hunting. They will also share lessons and stories from their investigations of supernatural activity in Virginia and farther afield. Just in time for Halloween, these programs will help those interested delve into the mysteries and science of ghost hunting.
How to Get Started
Ghost hunting kits can be borrowed just like a book—place a hold online or ask at the reference desk. Kits are loaned for 14 days, and late fees still apply…but no extra charge for mysterious activity.
So, whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just looking for a fun and unusual weekend activity, the library’s ghost hunting kits might be your ticket to an otherworldly adventure. And remember—if you find something unusual, you might just have another story to share…right here at the library.
Are you brave enough to check one out?
-Rebecca Ventola, Director, Franklin County Public Library
