You know that you can check out books, games, and even videos at most libraries. But did you know that in one library in Penobscot County, you can also check out experiences?!

The Old Town Public Library has a special section where folks can check out more than just books, but items and kits. It's called The Library of Things.

The Library of Things

We're told the Library of Things is located next to the Boo-tique, just past the circulation desk.

Beyond costumes, crochet kits, kayaks, and post hole diggers, you can also check out specific adventure kits.

Codi Badger, Circulation Desk Manager at the library, says it's a fun way to get hands-on and try out new things.

"Our Ghost Hunting Kit is available through our Library of Things, located in the room right next to our circulation desk. It's a fun way for curious patrons to try their hand at paranormal investigating, especially during spooky season!"

Folks can borrow these kits and "things" for up to one week.

Ever feel like doing a little ghost hunting? This fall, the Old Town Public Library has a Ghost Hunting Kit you can try out!

What Is It?

According to their Facebook page, the Old Town Public Library has everything you could need to take a deeper dive into the unknown!

"Our new Ghost Hunting Kit is here! Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, check it out and add a little mystery to your next adventure."

What's in this kit, you might ask?

We're told this particular parcel contains items that might come in handy for those looking into the shadows and around those dark corners for signs of the spooky or supernatural!

What Does This Kit Come With?

One UV flashlight to spot unexplained glowing fingerprints or interruptions in beams of light.

One EMF detector to measure invisible energy waves (or electromagnetic fields) and detect sudden, unexplained spikes in their surroundings.

One EVP recorder to capture the whispers of spirits and other electronic voice phenomena.

One infrared thermometer to hunt for spots that have dipped in temperature, possibly indicating the presence of evil or ghosts.

One FM radio and a Y7 Portable speaker. Why a radio and speakers? Well, it's believed that spirits can manipulate radio waves and white noise. They often use those avenues to communicate with people, or so the pros say. That's why they call radios spirit boxes or ghost boxes. The speaker helps to amplify the faint sounds that might come through.

A pair of motion-activated light-up cat balls. According to the experts at Ghost Stop,
paranormal investigators often place the balls in quiet, dark rooms on hard surfaces and ask spirits to touch, roll, or light up a specific ball as a "yes/no" or presence sign.

A pair of brass detection rods (you might know them as dowsing rods) that are believed to react when they encounter disturbances in the electromagnetic fields produced by spiritual energy or entities.

And finally, a carrying case for all this cool gear and an information card with details on how to use everything.

Other Things You Might Want To Explore

The Ghost Hunter kit is certainly a really neat idea, but it's not the only fun thing available through the library, Badger says.
"...while the Ghost Hunting Kit might be one of our more unusual items, it's certainly not the only surprise in our Library of Things! Patrons can also borrow kayaks, a lawn mower, a Nut Weasel (for collecting fallen nuts and other yard debris), board games, Tonies kits for kids, nature exploration backpacks, a DVD player, and even a monitor to measure household electricity usage.

Since Halloween is right around the corner, we're also hosting our Boo-tique Halloween Costume Swap throughout October! Families are welcome to donate gently used Halloween costumes or stop by to pick out a costume to take home, completely free. "

"Beyond our Library of Things, we offer free and discounted experiences through our library passes and ticket programs, including tickets to Penobscot Theatre, which is presenting Broomsticks this season, and passes to The Children's Museum, State Park Passes, and other local attractions."

For more information, ask the librarian directly.

The Old Town Public Library is located at 46 Middle Street and is open on Mondays 10 AM to 7 PM, Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays 10 AM to 1 PM.

Creepy Maine Cryptids

Maine has everything needed to support a healthy -- and scary -- population of cryptids. The state is remote with lots of fields, forests, rivers, and lakes -- all of which can be home to the elusive creatures in the gallery below. The photos below were generated by artificial intelligence from documented descriptions of the cryptids. Come on. How else are we supposed to get photos of such elusive -- and maybe mythical? -- creatures?

Gallery Credit: Jeff Tuttle