Peoria Public Library — Main Library
Peoria, Illinois, United States
Other · local-legend
The Story
A curse, an apparition of an early director and unseen callers belong to the long folklore of Peoria’s downtown library.
The Hauntings
In the city’s library tradition, a woman named Mrs. Gray cursed the land after losing her property, and a drowned nephew is said to have returned to its doors. American Library Association archival writing preserves additional stories of the ghostly face of early director E. S. Willcox and staff hearing their own names in the stacks. The account includes a useful later chapter: a library representative told the archival author that reported activity ceased after the main building was renovated in 2010. The story has continued even if the encounters reportedly did not.
The History
The library’s present downtown home is at 107 Northeast Monroe Street. The curse belongs to local folklore, not a proven historical explanation of later deaths.
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.
Plan Your Visit
The Main Library is a working public library open during its published daytime schedule. Visit for books, architecture and local history, and observe ordinary patron and staff privacy. No public paranormal investigation program was confirmed.