Aberdeen Central Library
Aberdeen Central Library was built in 1872, and has always served as a library. It is positioned at the end of a row of buildings which form the library, church and theatre along the Rosemount Viaduct, sometimes referred to as “Education, Salvation and Damnation”.
Whilst there have been reports of strange goings on at the library, these are often pleasant in nature and indeed sometimes helpful. One story tells of a librarian who to her surprise saw the apparition of George Milne Fraser (who served as a librarian between 1889 – 1939) appear to her as she was struggling to open the draw of an old desk that he would have previously worked at. The spirit it seemed appeared not to scare the librarian, but instead to offer his assistance – although it is not clear if the ghostly good deed was helpful!
Those working in the library have also seen strange lights particularly in the West side of the building, and often in the Children’s Library. These have been seen on CCTV, however, one story tells of a strange light that was seen first-hand by a staff member in the basement. It is said that whilst he was in the West side of the basement he suddenly saw a bright white light. The light seemed to move quickly towards him and as he jumped to move out its way it hit him. According to the story, when the light hit him he felt a sense of heightened euphoria;
“the lights were on and I saw something coming towards me, it was like a ball of light moving quickly, like really quickly towards me. I jumped sideways but I got a charge of energy going through me and it was an amazing feeling from being lethargic and tired and wanted to head up the road, I felt like I could run a marathon after that.”