Teens have chance to explore paranormal phenomenon at library

Meghan Chatham
Staff Writer

Ghosts and ghouls and things that go bump in the night will be the topic of a gathering at the Westland library next week.

From 7-8:30 p.m., next Wednesday, July 18, the William P. Faust Public Library of Westland will offer students in grades six-12 an opportunity to interact with members of the Ghost Hunters of Southern Michigan (GHOSM). The free program is being offered in conjunction with the Teen Summer Reading Program, the theme of which is You Never Know.

The investigative organization, which began downriver nearly a decade ago, will give interested individuals an opportunity to evaluate for themselves the evidence that members of the group have gathered throughout the years including recordings of electronic voice phenomenon (EVPs) or “spirit voices”, compelling photographs, and video footage. Afterward, participants will have an opportunity to have their questions addressed one-on-one.

Tom Lundy, a member of GHOSM for the past seven years, said that the group is eager to explain their methods and experiences, display their evidence, and let people decide for themselves what to make of it.

“I always believed in ghosts; it was the ghost hunters I had a problem with,” he said.

Lundy said that the group works hard to bridge the gap between paranormal investigators and the public, partly by clearing up misperceptions of what ghost hunters actually do.

The evidence to be discussed has been gathered throughout southern Michigan during two basic types of activities, investigations and ghost hunts, he said. During investigations, a few group members are invited by a property owner to explore what appears to be otherworldly activity on the site in exchange for information and possible assistance.

“We do not charge for (it),” he said.

The remainder of the evidence was gathered primarily during ghost hunts, during which the group searches for evidence in places—usually cemeteries—that they presume are haunted.

Lundy stressed, however, that members of the group are responsible in their practices, from cleaning trash from a historic site or cemetery to obeying the law.

“We will not go in if there is a no trespassing sign or a locked gate,” he said. He added that the group does not visit private property without permission from the owner.

Still, he said that audiences at presentations of this kind tend to be willing to consider the possibilities presented.

“Usually at least 60 percent are believers,” he said. “The other 40 percent are on the fence.”

He said that the events frequently draw individuals interested in sharing their own experiences or evidence. The group is not currently accepting new members.

The Westland Library is located at 6123 Central City Pkwy. For more information, contact the library at (734) 326-6123 or visit www.westland.lib.mi.us. For more information on GHOSM, visit www.ghosm.com.

http://www.journalgroup.com/Westland/5251/teens-have-chance-to-explore-paranormal-phenomenon-at-library