Deep in the heart of Orono, Maine, shrouded by pine trees and wrapped in rich academic tradition, lies a building that’s more than meets the eye. The University of Maine – Fogler Library is a cornerstone of the university campus and a treasure trove for scholars, researchers, and curious minds. But beyond its shelves of dusty tomes and academic archives, whispers suggest that Fogler Library may have a few secrets buried beneath its scholarly surface—some that defy explanation. Whether you’re drawn to its historical significance or you’re intrigued by the rumors of paranormal activities, Fogler Library holds more than just books within its walls.
If you’re a ghost hunter, history buff, or just love places where intellectual legacy meets lingering shadows, you’re in for an unforgettable visit. Let’s dive into the fascinating history and alleged hauntings of the University of Maine – Fogler Library.
The History
Founding and Legacy of Raymond H. Fogler
Named after Raymong H. Fogler, a UMaine alumnus of the class of 1915, the University of Maine – Fogler Library has long served as the academic heartbeat of the university. Fogler was not only an accomplished businessman, serving as a top executive at W.T. Grant and Montgomery Ward, but he also served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The library was dedicated in his honor in 1962 and rapidly became the largest research library in the state. With a collection that exceeds 1 million volumes and housing rare documents and archives from all over New England, Fogler Library quickly became a beacon for intellectual inquiry.
Built on a Foundation of Knowledge and Stone
Constructed in the post-war period, the library’s architecture reflects mid-20th-century sensibilities: clean lines, utilitarian design, and an academic seriousness that lingers in the air. While its exterior might appear unassuming to the casual passerby, it houses special collections that date back to the early 19th century, including historical maps, Civil War documents, and manuscripts detailing early Maine history.
The library’s Special Collections department is especially notable. It holds court with everything from local and regional histories to century-old newspapers, university archives, and personal papers that once belonged to some of Maine’s most influential figures. This makes it not only a destination for students and faculty, but for historians traveling from across the country.
Cultural and Community Significance
Beyond books and bricks, the University of Maine – Fogler Library has always played an active role in the local and academic community. Hosting everything from author talks to student exhibits and local heritage festivals, it’s considered a cultural hub for both the university and the wider Orono area.
In modern years, the library has embraced digital transformation, expanding access to its rare documents and collections through online archives and digitization. Despite its traditional feel, Fogler is a blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge research tools. But as frequent patrons and staff might tell you, there’s still something old—something mysterious—hanging in the air.
The Haunt
Whispers in the Stacks
Like many grand libraries seated on long-standing academic campuses, Fogler Library has developed its own fair share of ghost lore. The paranormal rumors usually begin the same way—students studying late report eerie feelings of being watched among the stacks. Papers flutter without breezes, strange knocking sounds echo from shelves, and the sound of unhurried footsteps travels across the tiled floor even when the library is nearly empty.
Most accounts come from the lower levels, particularly in the basement archives and special collections areas. The air here is denser, quieter, and electrically charged, say some repeat visitors. One grad student in the 1990s reportedly fled from the end of a darkened aisle after the overhead lights flickered on one by one—and then off again—all while faint classical music played somewhere in the background. The twist? The basement doesn’t have speakers. At least, that’s what the maintenance worker allegedly said.
The Ghost of the Archivist
Perhaps the most common tale involves a figure affectionately dubbed “The Archivist.” Described as a thin, older man in dated clothing—often a wool sweater and pince-nez glasses—the spirit is said to roam the stacks after hours, sometimes completely silent, other times whispering names of long-forgotten authors or titles.
Several students have claimed to spot him while retrieving books. He vanishes as soon as they try to get a better look. Strangely enough, staff once found an annotated bibliography left on a table in Special Collections that matched the topic a student was researching—one the student says they never wrote, but which led them directly to primary sources they hadn’t found before.
Poltergeist Activity or Just Poor Wiring?
Staff working the overnight cleaning shifts—those brave enough to take them—have reported poltergeist-like disturbances. Chairs move a few inches on their own. Cart wheels roll down slopes that aren’t there. In one extreme case in 2013, a locked office door appeared open one morning, and papers inside were tossed as if someone had rifled through them. The curious thing was, the building had been under lock and key all night, and the security footage showed nothing entering or leaving—except a strange flickering in the lower-left corner of the tape. Paranormal? Possibly. Malfunction? Maybe. Either way, it’s the mystery that keeps people talking.
Energy Signatures & Paranormal Investigations
Unofficial paranormal groups from the university have performed EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions in the stacks, particularly after examining historic texts or controversial documents. Some recordings allegedly captured whispers in reply to simple questions, such as “Are you here with us?” with responses like “Reading,” or “I never left.” Others captured sudden temperature drops or EMF spikes with no identifiable source of interference.
Additionally, dowsing rods and pendulums have had consistent swings near a certain corner of the archive level. That corner, somewhat chillingly, contains nineteenth-century funeral notices and records from local family cemeteries—a section most staff avoid unless necessary.
Calling All Ghost Hunters
If you’re a fan of the curious and the unexplained—or just love a good historical library with a sprinkle of the supernatural—then the University of Maine – Fogler Library is calling your name. With a rich heritage steeped in academic excellence and a whispering underground of ghost tales, it’s the perfect destination for those on the lookout for spirits among scholars.
Fogler Library offers public access during regular hours, though paranormal investigations must be cleared with campus authorities. But even if you’re not part of an official ghost-hunting group, simply spending an evening reading in the stacks might lead to an eerie experience—or at the very least, a chilling tale to take home with you.
So pack your EMF reader, a flashlight, and some curiosity, and head to Orono. Who knows? You might just add your own ghost story to the growing lore of the University of Maine – Fogler Library.