Gulfport ghost story: Stetson Law library's friendly spirit

"In 2008, a member of the nighttime cleaning crew, who had been working at Stetson Law for many years, tearfully told her boss she was too frightened to work in the building.

• While working alone, she witnessed a book throwing itself off a shelf and then sliding in her direction, as if by a playful spirit.

The spirit is believed to be Dr. Madison Mosley, the beloved director of the Hand Law Library from 2000-2005, when he died tragically at the age of 50.

• Madison, himself an alumnus of the College of Law, cared deeply about his staff and students.
• His likeness has been seen only once that we know of: reflected in the glass as a woman cleaned a window in the Law School Archives.
• She later identified him from his photograph in the library's Mosley Conference Room.

He has, however, been sensed and heard by many people in the library over the years.

• A globe in the Larkin Reference Room has spun for several minutes by an unseen but friendly hand.
• Librarians standing at the puzzle table have heard and sensed the presence of someone nearby.
• The chair in one librarian's office turns by itself and is often found in the mornings facing the wall.
• Many people have also reported knocking sounds overhead as they walk through the building, sounds that follow them almost as if an unseen but friendly person were accompanying them to make sure they find what they need.

Our librarians say Madison wants everyone to feel at home in his library, especially during those late nights studying for exams.

• And if you ever feel a sudden draft, hear a squeak that lasts a beat too long, or sense someone who isn't there, don't be afraid, they say.
• It's just Madison, looking after you."

Go deeper: Mosley's life as a librarian, professor and community leader