Provo Library’s Haunted Past Sparks Renewed Interest Amid Folklore

UPDATE: The storied Provo Library, once a site of alleged satanic rituals, is back in the spotlight as locals revisit its haunted history. This renewed interest is fueled by folklore expert Chris Blythe, who highlights the building’s intriguing past during the infamous period of satanic panic from the late 1970s to early 1990s.

Located in Provo, Utah, the library originally opened as the Brigham Young Academy over a century ago. It became notorious during a time when rumors swirled about satanic activities occurring within its empty halls. Blythe, an Assistant Professor at Brigham Young University, expressed that the Provo Library stands out as one of the most haunted locations in the area.

During the height of the satanic panic, sensational headlines captured the public’s attention, warning of supposed satanic rituals conducted by local youths. “Utah papers even published special reports like ‘Satan Worship in Zion,’” Blythe noted. The library, often left unguarded, was believed to be a hotspot for these alleged activities, especially on Halloween.

“During Halloween in particular, people would tell stories about how satanists would break in,” Blythe explained. “People would protect the Provo Library from these supposed invaders.”

One individual who took part in this protective effort was Eric Eliason, a former ROTC student at BYU. “The expectation was that satanists might try to get into the building to do their rituals,” Eliason recalled. However, he confirmed that no one ever showed up during his watch.

So, were these claims of satanic cults real? Blythe firmly states, “Oh no. We had some kids who claimed to be satanists because they wanted to be metalheads in the 1980s.” He elaborated that the rumors and media hype snowballed, leading to widespread panic in the community.

Blythe further explained the phenomenon of “legend tripping,” where people are drawn to supposedly haunted sites to test the validity of local legends. This practice, combined with heightened media attention, led to organized security efforts to protect the library from imagined threats.

Eventually, the hysteria subsided, allowing for a more rational perspective on the stories surrounding the Provo Library. “Logic came back into the picture,” Blythe remarked. Yet, he maintains an open mind about the existence of spirits, emphasizing the enduring allure of local folklore.

As Halloween approaches, the Provo Library’s haunted history is more relevant than ever, igniting curiosity and conversations among residents and folklore enthusiasts alike. The library continues to serve as a reminder of how fear can shape community narratives, even in modern times.

For those intrigued by the darker tales of Provo, check out the full episode of Utah Uncovered, where ABC4’s evening anchor Sarah Murphy features exclusive interviews and in-depth explorations of Utah’s most notable criminal cases. Available now on the News4Utah+ app, free on your smart TV.

As the region prepares for Halloween festivities, the haunting legacy of the Provo Library serves as a chilling reminder of the power of folklore and the human imagination.