Grand Valley State University’s Mary Idema Pew Library, known for its serene study spaces, became a place of comical horror on Oct. 25. The building was transformed into a haunted labyrinth by Campus Activities Board (CAB), in lieu of the annual Haunted Arboretum, with students embarking on a journey through the library’s floors.
In past years, CAB’s Halloween events have adorned GVSU’s arboretum with chilling decorations and expertly designed scarezones. With a new location in mind, students navigated the library’s tight pathways, and followed caution tape that was laid out on the floor. Making their way around bookshelves, window seats and chairs, participants encountered students dressed as zombies, who were hidden in corners and between book stacks. The zombies’ presence added an element of surprise, forcing students to stay vigilant as they worked their way through each level.
The Haunted Library began in the building’s basement, where students organized into small groups and were given glow sticks to carry. However, there was a twist– if students screamed or dropped their glow sticks, they risked forfeiting rewards at the end, which included stickers and candy.
“They go through four floors of zombies, (with) each level ramping up in intensity,” said CAB Activities Team Director Lola Robar. “By the fourth floor, even the quietest groups find it hard to stay silent.”
On the first floor, the atmosphere was suspenseful, yet subdued. Zombies lurked quietly among the shelves. However, as students ascended each floor, the tension rose, with more frequent zombie appearances, and louder, more intense interactions that tested students’ resolve to remain silent. By the time groups reached the fourth floor, the stakes were highest, with zombies becoming increasingly disruptive in their efforts to startle participants.
“The more noise they (students) made, the more difficult it (was for them) to make it to the end,” said Aisha Jones, CAB’s vice president. “A student (also) got lost on the fourth floor. I’m not sure how, but it might have been a zombie.”
After making their way through the library, students were greeted near the GVSU Promotions Office. Those who managed to keep hold of their glow sticks were given rewards for remaining vigilant. Rewards included candy, stickers and an opportunity to remember the moment at a photo booth. The photos were taken against a zombie backdrop by University photographers.
The Haunted Library provided an unusual twist to campus life, blending the building’s normally studious atmosphere with a zombie-ridden escapade. For students, it was not only a test of nerves, but a chance to celebrate Halloween in an immersive setting on campus.
“Students have been really excited about the experience, and it’s something different from traditional Halloween events,” Robar said.
While the Haunted Library was new this year, this October has been the fifth consecutive year of CAB’s Halloween events, which have become a highlight of GVSU’s student life programming. Whether at the Arboretum as usual or in new venues like the library, CAB organizers aim to make their haunted pathways an annual event for students to be thrilled about.
