18 Historic Libraries and Archives with Ghostly Reputations

The Bodleian Library, Oxford, England

The Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, has a long and eerie history. Its sprawling, ancient halls are said to be haunted by the spirits of former scholars who once roamed the corridors. The library’s many rooms and dark, quiet corners give off a chilling atmosphere, and numerous reports tell of ghostly apparitions appearing in the dead of night.

Staff and visitors have described hearing footsteps when no one is around, and the sounds of whispers coming from empty hallways. The Bodleian’s connections to famous figures like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis have only added to its mystery, with some believing that their spirits, along with those of other prominent scholars, still haunt the library’s shelves.

The Library of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt

The ancient Library of Alexandria was once the heart of learning in the ancient world, and it still carries a ghostly legacy today. Though the original library was destroyed in antiquity, many legends persist about its haunting and the vast collection of knowledge that was lost forever. Scholars have often speculated that the spirits of the lost texts, as well as the scholars who worked there, may still linger within the ruins.

Modern visitors to Alexandria report strange occurrences near the site of the library, with some claiming to have seen ghostly figures wandering among the ruins at dusk. Others have reported a sudden drop in temperature or the feeling of being watched, suggesting that the spirits of the past are unwilling to let go of their beloved institution.

The Library of Congress, Washington D.C., USA

The Library of Congress in Washington D.C. is home to one of the largest collections of books in the world. Its historical significance, combined with the sheer volume of knowledge it holds, has made it the subject of numerous ghost stories. Among the most famous is the tale of a librarian who died tragically in the 19th century and is said to still roam the halls.

Employees and visitors have occasionally seen strange, shadowy figures near the library’s reading rooms and the grand hallways. Some say that these apparitions are the spirits of former librarians or even the souls of scholars who passed away while working there, unable to leave the place they loved so dearly.

The National Library of the Czech Republic, Prague

The National Library in Prague, located within the baroque Clementinum building, is not only a place of great cultural significance but also one of eerie mystery. This historic library is known for its stunning architecture and impressive collection of books, but it also carries tales of ghostly happenings. Many visitors have reported a feeling of unease as they explore its dimly lit hallways and ornate rooms.

Ghost stories linked to the library often mention the presence of a mysterious old librarian who once worked there. Those who venture through the building late at night have claimed to see a shadowy figure, sometimes followed by a cold breeze, making its way past the bookshelves, as if still tending to the collection even after death.

The Public Library of San Francisco, USA

The Public Library in San Francisco has a long history dating back to 1878, and it is not without its share of supernatural tales. It is said that the spirit of a former librarian, who tragically passed away in the library, still haunts the building. Patrons and staff alike have reported strange occurrences, such as books mysteriously falling off shelves or flickering lights when no one is around.

More chilling still are the accounts of an eerie presence in the library’s underground storage area, where a sense of unease lingers in the air. Some believe that the librarian’s ghost is still watching over the collection, ensuring that the library continues its mission of providing knowledge to all who seek it.

The National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh

Located in Edinburgh, the National Library of Scotland is not only a treasure trove of literature but also a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Many visitors to the library have reported eerie feelings, particularly in the older sections of the building. Some say they’ve seen figures roaming the stacks, while others claim to hear faint footsteps or whispers when the library is empty.

Perhaps the most famous haunting involves the ghost of a former librarian who is said to appear near the library’s rare manuscript section. The ghost is rumored to be that of a scholar who dedicated his life to the library’s collection, but tragically died before he could complete his work. Visitors who venture near the area after dark often report a strange sensation, as though they are not alone.

The British Library, London, England

The British Library, one of the most important literary institutions in the world, is steeped in history and mystery. Built over the remnants of ancient structures, it is said to be haunted by the ghosts of long-dead authors and scholars. The most famous of these apparitions is that of a Victorian-era scholar who worked tirelessly in the library but passed away before finishing his life’s work.

Many patrons of the library have reported seeing ghostly figures flickering in and out of the rows of books, particularly near the rare manuscript rooms. The eerie sounds of pages turning or quiet conversations, often heard late at night, have left many wondering if the spirits of the past are still searching for lost knowledge.

The New York Public Library, New York City, USA

The New York Public Library, one of the largest public library systems in the world, has its own collection of ghost stories. Many believe that the spirits of former librarians and long-gone patrons continue to haunt the library’s hallowed halls. Reports of inexplicable noises, such as the sound of footsteps echoing through the quiet spaces or books shifting on their own, are common.

A popular ghost story involves a librarian who allegedly died in the library and now appears to guests in a ghostly form. People who have worked at the library for years have noted strange cold spots and sudden drafts, leading some to wonder if the librarian’s spirit is still keeping watch over the books.

The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, Paris, France

This historic library, located in the heart of Paris, is known not only for its impressive collection of books but also for its mysterious aura. The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is housed in a grand building with intricate architecture, and the stories of its hauntings date back to the 19th century. Many visitors have reported ghostly sightings, particularly near the library’s reading rooms.

The most famous ghost of the library is said to be that of a former librarian who worked in the building during the early 1800s. It is rumored that his spirit still lingers, walking the halls and occasionally opening books in the middle of the night. Some believe that his restless spirit is forever bound to the library, never fully leaving the place he loved so much.

The University of Coimbra Library, one of the oldest academic libraries in Europe, is famous not only for its vast collection of manuscripts and books but also for its eerie history. Some say that the spirits of former students, who once studied and worked late into the night, still haunt the library’s magnificent Baroque halls. Visitors report a sense of being watched, especially when they pass through the library’s dimly lit reading rooms.

Among the most unsettling tales is the story of a scholar who mysteriously disappeared while researching in the library. It is believed that his ghost lingers in the ancient corridors, searching for his lost research. Those who visit the library at night have been known to hear faint whispers and the sound of footsteps echoing through the marble floors.

The Merton College Library, Oxford, England

The Merton College Library, located at one of the oldest colleges in Oxford, is a place with an academic reputation steeped in ghostly legends. Visitors to this library, particularly those who wander its oldest sections, often claim to see ghostly figures walking the aisles. Many believe that these apparitions are the spirits of past students or scholars who once worked in the library’s scholarly environment.

One of the more famous ghost stories from Merton involves the restless spirit of a scholar who committed suicide after being accused of heresy. It is said that he still roams the library’s shelves, unable to find peace. Students and staff have described hearing strange noises, such as books falling off shelves or unexplained footsteps, particularly during quiet hours.

The Herzogin Anna Amalia Library, Weimar, Germany

The Herzogin Anna Amalia Library in Weimar is famous for its stunning Rococo architecture and extensive literary collection. However, it is equally well-known for the ghostly activity reported by its visitors. After a devastating fire in 2004, the library was reopened, but since then, there have been numerous claims of paranormal activity in the rebuilt sections.

The most famous ghost story associated with the library concerns the spirit of a librarian who perished during the fire. It is believed that her soul still lingers among the books, particularly in the areas that were most heavily damaged. Some visitors have reported a cold presence or felt as though they were being observed by unseen eyes while exploring the library’s shelves.

The Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris, France

The Bibliothèque Nationale de France, or the National Library of France, has long been the subject of ghostly rumors, particularly due to its historical importance and the vast number of rare texts it houses. Some say the library’s vaults, where ancient manuscripts are stored, are home to the restless spirits of scholars and writers. These spirits are believed to roam the building, forever attached to the knowledge and writings they once worked with.

Staff and visitors have reported strange occurrences, such as lights flickering or books being moved when no one is around. The library’s history of intellectual pursuit, combined with its age and extensive collections, creates a haunting atmosphere that many believe has allowed spirits to linger. The most well-known ghost in the library is that of a 19th-century librarian, whose apparition is said to appear in the rare manuscripts section.

The Royal Library of Denmark, Copenhagen

The Royal Library of Denmark, also known as the Black Diamond, is one of the most iconic libraries in Scandinavia. While its modern architecture draws admiration, the library is also the site of numerous ghost stories. Many visitors claim to have experienced odd occurrences, including flickering lights, books mysteriously falling off shelves, and a feeling of coldness in certain parts of the building.

The most famous ghost story at the Royal Library involves a former librarian who is believed to have died under suspicious circumstances. His spirit, it is said, has never left the building, and many believe he is still watching over the priceless collections. Those who explore the library after dark often report a strange presence, as if someone is walking behind them or whispering in the dark corners of the library.

The Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland

Trinity College Library in Dublin, one of the most famous libraries in the world, is known for its stunning architecture and rich literary history. However, it also has a long-standing reputation for being haunted. The library, with its towering shelves and ancient volumes, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of past scholars and students.

One of the most notable ghost stories involves a former scholar who died tragically within the library. It is said that his restless spirit still wanders the library’s vast halls, often appearing near the long rows of books. Visitors have reported hearing the sound of books being opened or footsteps following them through the library when no one is around.

The University of Texas Libraries, Austin, USA

The University of Texas Libraries in Austin is home to one of the largest academic library systems in the country, but it also has a collection of ghost stories. The most famous haunting occurs in the historic Perry-Castañeda Library, where it is believed that a former librarian’s spirit continues to watch over the building. The librarian, who passed away unexpectedly, is said to have been deeply devoted to the library and its collections.

Staff and students working late into the night have reported strange occurrences, such as the sound of books being shuffled or the feeling of an unseen presence. Some have even claimed to see the ghostly figure of the librarian, walking through the stacks or sitting at a desk, still diligently attending to his work.

The Harvard University Library, Cambridge, USA

Harvard University’s library system, one of the largest in the world, has long been the subject of eerie tales. Some stories suggest that the library’s vast collection of rare books and manuscripts has attracted the attention of spirits from the past. One particularly famous haunting involves the ghost of a 19th-century librarian who is said to still haunt the library’s ancient halls.

Witnesses claim to have seen a shadowy figure moving between the bookshelves late at night, as well as hearing strange sounds, such as the flipping of pages or footsteps echoing through the corridors. The librarian’s ghost is believed to be seeking something, perhaps knowledge that was never finished during his lifetime, leading to his lingering presence in the library.

The St. Petersburg State Library, Russia

The St. Petersburg State Library, also known as the Russian National Library, is one of the oldest and most important libraries in Russia. With a collection that spans centuries, it’s no surprise that the library is home to several ghost stories. The most famous haunting is linked to the library’s early years, with stories of a librarian’s ghost who is said to still guard the building’s archives.

Reports from visitors and staff often mention unexplained phenomena such as sudden temperature drops, books moving on their own, and strange whispers coming from empty rooms. The ghost is said to appear near the library’s most ancient books, forever watching over the knowledge that has been preserved through the ages. Those who stay in the library late into the night claim to feel a strange sense of unease, as though they are not alone.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.