Per 
Item #: SCP-3256
Object Class:
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-3256 is to be contained within a combination-locked lead safe.
Description: SCP-3256 is a ██████ brand e-reader device manufactured in 2013. The device shows signs of severe external and internal damage. The casing and screen is heavily scratched and the back plate is missing, revealing its internals. Inside of device is extremely corroded. Apart from damage, circuitry is consistent with that of a regular ██████ e-reader. An LED on the chassis shines yellow when the device is plugged in, however the device does not appear to receive power and will not turn on. Instead the e-ink screen displays a corrupted graphic of a an advertisement for a digital bookstore with a full blank spot towards the centre of the screen.
SCP-3256’s primary anomalous effect occurs when this spot is viewed for a short amount of time. After viewing for an average of five (5) minutes the viewer will begin to be able to read SCP-3256-1, despite the display being broken and showing no text. The viewer will be able to read as if it were a typical e-book displayed on a working e-reader.
SCP-3256-1 is a cognitohazard. It is a piece of literature which describes an abstract concept previously thought impossible to describe in words. It has only been observed to be readable by humans capable of reading the English language. During and after reading SCP-3256-1 the reader will become increasingly distressed and confused, presumably due to the the abstract content of SCP-3256-1. When asked about the contents of SCP-3256-1 the reader will usually attempt to describe the concept and invariably find they are unable to do so adequately or at all, even when attempting to read aloud directly from SCP-3256-1. This can evoke different reactions from test subject, usually including anger or anxiety.
Subjects exposed to SCP-3256’s anomalous effects report feelings of confusion and behave as if they are distracted. Subjects become unable to sleep or close their eyes. When prompted to speak subjects respond with nonsensical or short language, or simply refuse to answer. During this period subjects have to be prompted or occasionally forced to eat or wash. This period can be ceased by administering amnestics such that subjects will not remember having read SCP-3256-1. After a period of approximately four (4) days has passed the subject regains the ability to close their eyes and think logically. Subjects after this period have all been found to have aphantasia1 . This has been found to cause depression in some subjects, and symptoms cannot be cured even with amnestics. Subjects report having no memory of SCP-3256-1’s contents and are unable to read it again. Research into whether this is simply due to SCP-3256 being unreadable to people with aphantasia or if it is an inherent property of SCP-3256 to only be able to work once per individual is ongoing.
History: SCP-3256 was found in its current condition at a flea market in ██████████, ██████ by Prof. ██████ █████████. Prof. ██████ █████████ at the time was unaware of its anomalous properties and bought in the hope of repairing it for amusement. Upon bringing it home he became exposed to SCP-3256-1 and its anomalous effects. After the period of SCP-3256-1’s effects had elapsed he immediately reported his findings to his colleagues in the Foundation and began SCP classification of the object.
Interviewed: [The person, persons, or SCP being interviewed]
Interviewer: [Interviewer, can be blocked out using █]
Foreword: [Small passage describing the interview]
<Begin Log, [optional time info]>
Interviewer: [speech]
Person: [speech]
[Repeat as necessary]
<End Log, [optional time info]>
Closing Statement: [Small summary and passage on what transpired afterward]
