Astonishing Legends S2 Ep13: No Human Could Throw Books Like This
Apr 8, 2026
A librarian reports a modern library built atop four old hospitals and embedded cornerstones. Overnight security footage appears to show a book flying off a shelf without alarms tripping. The hosts debate whether humidity, camera quirks, or something stranger explains the mysterious motion. Practical investigation tools and tips are discussed for capturing similar phenomena.
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Librarian Captures Book Flying Off Shelf Overnight
- A longtime librarian reported a mysterious overnight event where a book flew from a sales shelf and hit the floor while no staff were in the building.
- The library opened in 2009 on the footprint of four prior hospitals, and staff had earlier reported unexplained voices in isolated staff areas.
Archival Swell Can Expel Books From Shelves
- Scott Philbrook suggested a mundane explanation called archival swell where books expand/contract with humidity and can be ejected from tight shelving.
- He noted microclimates and HVAC cycles in institutions can cause synchronized hygroscopic expansion that might push books like a compressed accordion.
Before And After Images Show Books Came From Elsewhere
- Forrest Burgess and Scott compared the before/after security images and found no missing books on the immediate shelf, implying the fallen books came from elsewhere.
- Zoom and A-B comparisons showed the books on the floor did not originate from the visible nearby shelves, suggesting a longer travel or different source.