Cairo Public Library — A.B. Safford Memorial
Cairo, Illinois, United States
Other · local-legend
The Story
Toby is the name given to Cairo’s restless library presence. Empty-room chair sounds and white lights among the shelves have made this working Illinois library part of regional ghost lore.
The Hauntings
The ALA Archives’ account places Toby especially in Special Collections. Chairs squeak in rooms where nobody appears to be sitting, while white lights seem to move between the shelves. The article associates the name with former librarian Louise Ogg and recalls director Monica Smith’s sense of a presence that staff gradually learned to live with. Toby has no settled historical identity in this account; the familiarity comes from the library’s daily routines.
The History
The A.B. Safford Memorial building honors Anna Eliza Safford’s gift to the community in memory of her husband. It remains a public library rather than a dedicated haunted attraction.
A sense of place.
Visitor Experiences
Have you experienced something here?
This future chapter will bring together stories from the PHASM community. An unexpected encounter, a lingering feeling, or a quiet visit—your experience will be welcome.
Submissions are not open yet.
Sources & further reading.
- Cairo Public Library, Illinois — Cairo Public Library — A Lasting Tribute (history)
- University of Illinois Library / ALA Archives — Spooky Stacks: Viewing Haunted Libraries of the Midwest through Library Postcards (reports)
- Cairo Public Library, Illinois — Cairo Public Library — A Lasting Tribute (visiting)
Plan Your Visit
Visit during the library’s published public hours at 1609 Washington Avenue. Give readers and staff their working space. No after-hours ghost tour or investigation permission was established; a library card or ordinary visit does not provide either.