'It’s not all trauma': 'Ghost Hunters' star to discuss paranormal at Norwich library

An upcoming event at Otis Library may leave you with a different insight on what’s beyond life.

Otis Library’s Evening with an Author, the 20th anniversary of the annual fundraiser, will take place at the library on Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. That evening’s author will be Steve Gonsalves, featuring his book "A Life With Ghosts: True, Terrifying, and Insightful Tales from My Favorite Haunts," according to a press release

Tickets are still available for $135, and include dinner, a silent auction, an address from Gonsalves, a meet and greet, a copy of the book, and a signing, the press release states.

The event started as a way to thank donors, but it has turned into the larger ticket event it is today. This year is the first year with a price increase, as all past events were $120 each, Director of Development Andrea Kaiser said.

Event organizers aim to raise $50,000 for the library. The fundraising target increases every year, but Kaiser is confident the library will make its goal, as companies will buy partnerships for $350 to $500 each, she said.

Past Evening with an Author events included local favorite Wally Lamb and celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich, Kaiser said.

Gonsalves was suggested to Otis Library by Book Clubs on the Go Owner and former Norwich resident Cynde Acanto. Acanto attended an event with Gonsalves, which had a 200-person turnout, Kaiser said.

A ghostly good time

This is Gonsalves’ first book. He’s best known as a cast member and producer of the TV show "Ghost Hunters," where Gonsalves and his team investigate paranormal activity in many haunted locations.

Gonsalves was always interested in the supernatural, and read up on paranormal research when he was younger. It went from fear, to interest, to a career. He taught a class for the Boston Center for Adult Education, and he had a team doing investigations. The "Ghost Hunters" show started in 2004, ran until 2016, and was revived in 2021, he said.

Over the years, Gonsalves has conducted over 1,500 investigations. Some parts of the investigative process fit a book better than a TV program, Gonsalves said.

Not all hauntings come from bad things, and the ghosts were once normal people, Gonsalves said.

“It’s not all trauma and tragedy,” he said. “Some of these things we were experiencing come from love and devotion. I noticed that had never really been showcased before.”

If anything, people are scarier that ghosts, Gonsalves said.

Gonsalves has been all over Connecticut over the years. The Evening with an Author event will mark the first time he will have a signing at a library. The setting may help Gonsalves connect with readers, he said.

One episode of "Ghost Hunters" was shot at Norwich State Hospital. Gonsalves couldn’t make that shoot because he was working on a spin-off show, "Ghost Hunters Academy." Gonsalves is familiar with the property owners, and he still wants to visit it before it's torn down, he said.

With Evening with an Author, Gonsalves wants listeners to remain curious about the world around them, he said.

“A lot of times we’ve become complacent in our daily lives, and what exists in our bubble is all that we see, when there’s a lot happening around us,” he said.

Honoring Lottie Scott

During Evening with an Author, Otis Library will also recognize Board of Trustees member and local civil rights activist Lottie Scott, by naming two parts of the library after her. The Lottie B. Scott Society will recognize donors who make monthly gifts to the library. The Lottie B. Scott Cultural Corner will be the new name of the children’s stage area, according to the library’s press release.

Evening is investment in Otis Library

For a first timer at Evening with an Author, Kaiser wants people to “soak it all in,” and understand the importance of funding the library, Kaiser said.

“Every dollar matters to Otis, so it’s an investment in all that we do,” she said.

Supporting wellness is the big initiative for Otis Library in 2024, from social wellness to financial wellness, and more. This includes initiatives to combat loneliness, Kaiser said.

“Even with (Evening with an Author), we’re encouraging people to come alone,” she said. “You’ll make friends.”

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Ghost Hunters star to discuss paranormal at Otis Library in Norwich CT