Past Due: 100 Years of Central Library Episode 10 - Haunted Central
Episode Details
Past Due: 100 Years of Central Library Episode 10 - Haunted Central
In this spooky October episode of Past Due, we peer behind the veil to uncover the chilling secrets hiding within Central Library. First, Map Librarian Peter Hauge breaks down the enduring urban legend of L.A.’s underground tunnels and the infamous "Lizard people of Los Angeles”. Then, staff members share their own terrifying, real-life ghost encounters from the library halls before we dive into an official paranormal investigation of the building. Finally, Adult Librarian Amanda Mellor takes us deep into the Social Science department to tour the library's mysterious Occult section.
Resources Mentioned
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“Lizard People” Vertical File available in the History and Genealogy Department
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G. Warren Shufelt Underground Tunnel Map via Los Angeles Magazine
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1934 Los Angeles Times Article- Lizard People Catacomb of Los Angeles
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Special Edition of the Red Book by Carl Jung available in the Social Sciences, Philosophy, and Religion Department.
Participant(s) Bio
Peter Hauge is the Map Librarian at the Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Library. He holds a B.A. in Geography and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University.
Amanda Mellor is a reference librarian in the Social Science, Philosophy & Religion Department at the Los Angeles Public Library's Central Library, who also conducts outreach to people experiencing homelessness. She coordinates with organizations and fellow staff to bring resources, programs, and hospitality to unhoused patrons in Downtown Los Angeles.
Robyn Myers started her career in 1976 as a ten-hour messenger clerk. She worked for several City Departments and came back to the Library in 1986 as a Facility Manager. Robyn retired in 2022, but continues to contribute to the Facilities Department on a part-time basis.
Brenda J. Breaux is a Principal Public Relations Representative with 26 years of experience in the Los Angeles Public Library’s Public Relations and Marketing Office. She coordinates communications planning and media relations, manages major projects and campaigns, organizes internal teams and external partners, and develops strategic communications that promote the Library’s programs, services, and impact.
Moderator: Sheridan Jay Cazarez is a librarian in the Exploration & Creativity Department at the Los Angeles Public Library. He's presented on bilingual early literacy programming, translation practices, and labor advocacy at the REFORMA National, California Library Association, Seguimos Creando Enlaces, and American Library Association conferences. Find his original translations of songs and rhymes for young children on his website, Bibliocuentos.com.
