Haunting of Hannon Library: What You Missed (Pt. 2)

If you weren’t able to attend the library’s Haunting of Hannon on October 20th and the 21st, then you severely missed out.

Every year, the library collaborates with the Theatre department and their student actors to put on spooky performances throughout the entire building – from the basement to the study rooms to in between the shelves of the 3rd floor. “Murders in the Rue Bibliothèque” was this year’s theme and depicted stories of mystery, horror, witchcraft, and more.

The rated R performances showcased popular scenes from plays, books, and more, such as Seabury Quinn’s Jules de Grandin and Dr. Trowbridge, Algernon Blackwood’s John Silence, and William Hope Hodgson’s Thomas Carnacki, the Ghost Finder; Manly Wade Wellman’s John Thunstone, Sax Rohmer’s Morris Klaw, Joseph Payne Brennan’s Lucius Leffin, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, Margery Lawrence’s Miles Pennoyer, and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot; as well as “The Problem of Cell 13,” Wilkie Collins’ “A Terribly Strange Bed” and “The Aluminum Dagger.”

The tour began with C. Auguste Dupin, a detective created by Edgar Allen Poe who had a thick French accent and a penchant for solving murders. Some of the performances used amazing effects such as levitating a ghost of of the ground while some featured the actors in great makeup and costumes. Being a tour guide, the best part was watching the reactions of the people in my groups. Multiple times, students and others would jump and scream with fright or bust out laughing at the funny moments. It was truly great.

The PG-13 version of the tour took place the day after on Saturday in the afternoon. Parents brought their children and more to watch the hilariously cute performances of stories from Dr. Seuss and other children’s authors. But it wasn’t just children, I led teenage guests and elderly guests as well. Everyone wanted to see the spectacular festivities. From a blood-sucking bunny to a pair of floating green pants, there were so many creative showings. Even Thing 1 and Thing 2 made an appearance!

Families even came back from the previous night just to see the difference in performances. One family in particular remarked how much they enjoyed these library events. Furthermore, many people from both days said they’d attend more library events in the future, especially this next year. Therefore, I know this sounded like a great, and surprisingly free, event, but don’t be too down if you didn’t have the chance to see it this year – just make sure to schedule it in your calendar for next year!

Today’s post was written by library student ambassador Jaida Macklin. Jaida is sophomore English and theatre arts double major from the south suburbs of Chicago. She is currently on the midst of writing a book which she constantly procrastinates working on.