Northwestern archivist Patrick Quinn describes a myth as “something so compelling that it ought to be true,” so it’s not surprising that many myths have arisen in NU’s 150-year history.

Myth: The library is sinking.

Fact: Because NU’s library is built on sand, many people believe the building is sinking a few centimeters per year. But Quinn says this is false. A library myth of some kind exists on almost every college campus, he says, because libraries often are large, dominating structures.

Myth: Students have hung themselves on University Hall’s clock tower.

Fact: NU has no record of any student hanging himself on the clock tower. Quinn says this myth has been around since the clock tower was built in the 19th century and is common on all college campus with bell towers, especially around midterm and final times.

Myth: People have been found living in the Technological Institute and in Harris Hall.

Fact: This myth is true. Clothes and human belongings have been discovered in Harris’ basement and in Tech.

Myth: NU has a secret tunnel system running from building to building.

Fact: The campus does have a series of underground tunnels. The tunnels are not passageways but small, dirty steam tunnels. Quinn says none of these tunnels are fit for humans.

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