Cyrenius H. Booth Library

Newtown's public library opened in 1932, a posthumous gift from Mary Elizabeth Hawley, who named it for her grandfather, a Newtown physician of 50 years. The building was constructed on the site of her own home, and her former bedroom on the top floor was open for public viewing until a 1998 renovation, after which it was locked and has stayed that way. Staff and visitors describe a lingering presence, shadowy figures glimpsed at the edge of sight, and occasional direct encounters believed to be Mary Hawley herself — though with her old room sealed off, nothing has been reported from up there in years, and no one has been inside to check.