# Do libraries have a laxative effect on everyone? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 1, 2024, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598 "2024-07-01T20:46:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GailForce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/dfb087/32.png) [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2024, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/1 "2024-07-01T20:46:21Z")
Or just me? about 90% of my trips to the library call for a major, and hasty, move to the bathroom. Doesn’t make a bit of sense, logically. I have a perfectly fine bathroom at home, but as soon as I get to the library (or in college, into the stacks) I have an urgent need to use the facilities. It seems a little nutty to me, but it nearly always works out that a visit to the library means a trip to their restroom. Anybody else? ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2024, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/2 "2024-07-01T20:51:01Z")
Never had this. Could it be the air conditioning? Some people find that cold air has a laxative effect. Or maybe you were conditioned somehow, like maybe as a child you had to relieve yourself but weren’t allowed to do so while studying, so now your body remembers and overcompensates? ---
**Author:** ![I.Dunno](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9f8e36/32.png) [@I.Dunno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I.Dunno)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/3 "2024-07-02T00:02:39Z")
I visit a few nearby library branches on a regular basis. Sometimes browsing for a while and sometimes sitting down to read one or more magazines. I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen the inside of any of the restrooms. I’ve never heard of this. Do visits to bookstores cause the same effect? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/4 "2024-07-02T00:11:48Z")
> [@GailForce](#): > > Or just me? Just you. Gotta be some confusing psychological thing where you subconsciously associate libraries with crapping. Or maybe your allergic to some ingredient in books. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/5 "2024-07-02T00:16:59Z")
It’s just you. “No, Emily, the sign on the slot in the library says ‘book drop.’ ‘ **Book,** ’ not ‘poop.’” “Ohhhh. That’s different.” [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ER7UufYGLCcles3i2i-f5AOxoBofXx_A46MaxSdozw1KEhkVBU0bbe8owocrTnR0aNl61LuJkU_43d-Iqlq7s7m-ZVgeLaRH9BIm-hWmb61ma_TQsNA3x4yuDTPTzyuVCnqxNy3nS_o4/s1600/Emily+LItella.jpg) ](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ER7UufYGLCcles3i2i-f5AOxoBofXx_A46MaxSdozw1KEhkVBU0bbe8owocrTnR0aNl61LuJkU_43d-Iqlq7s7m-ZVgeLaRH9BIm-hWmb61ma_TQsNA3x4yuDTPTzyuVCnqxNy3nS_o4/s1600/Emily+LItella.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/6 "2024-07-02T00:22:52Z")
Not a library, but my garage. Uncanny. Just like you say. I can’t figure it either. Make no sense. Sometimes, I’ll be working in the house, and need that certain tool out in the garage. I’ll get a mental image of where it’s stored and think about going to get it. Nope. Gotta hit the can first! It’s maddening. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/7 "2024-07-02T00:30:36Z")
That’s your place you feel relaxed. Your safe place. When you relax your bowel relaxes. Poop it is. I think. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/8 "2024-07-02T01:17:26Z")
Me too. Also bookstores. I feel relaxed there, and then… ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/9 "2024-07-02T03:01:48Z")
So a library is where to go when you don’t give a shit? ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/10 "2024-07-02T03:10:49Z")
I did, at my college’s large library. There is a distinctive scent. I think it’s whatever chemical the old books give off as their paper gradually yellows. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/11 "2024-07-02T03:12:40Z")
My DIL has a messed up colon or something. I forget what it is. IBS? Maybe? Anyway, she can’t go poop anywhere but her own bathroom and feel ok about it. I asked her and she said relaxation is part of it. She just feels less stress at home. Which, of course started a whole poop discussion at dinner. Thx, beck. You a dummy for bringing that up at the wrong time. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/12 "2024-07-02T12:49:32Z")
Libraries don’t have that effect on me. Visiting Lowes home improvement stores, on the other hand, almost invariably stimulates poopic reflexes. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/13 "2024-07-02T15:24:02Z")
Libraries do not. Eating Arby’s - most definitely. I haven’t eaten there in 20+ years. I wonder if it would still have that effect? Don’t think I’m up to that scientific study. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/14 "2024-07-02T15:29:15Z")
Huh, I opened this thread because I was curious about who bumped it. I’m certain I’ve seen this exact question here once, years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/prof.pepperwinkle/32/13627_2.png) [@Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Prof.Pepperwinkle)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/15 "2024-07-02T15:39:03Z")
Most libraries no, but the downtown Indianapolis-Marion County Central Library, for whatever reason, yes. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/16 "2024-07-02T15:44:40Z")
I think I’d rather implode than do a number two in any bathroom other than my own. Only in an utter dire emergency. (even a number one, I still have a shy bladder at my age.)…I understand men who work in offices take pride in having a good long sit-down in the bathroom there, pooping on the company’s dime. ---
**Author:** ![Jaycat.again](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat.again/32/11525_2.png) [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/17 "2024-07-02T15:45:52Z")
Libraries, no. This thread, yes. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/18 "2024-07-02T15:49:13Z")
Is it the readily available reading material? Ewww! Don’t bring library books to the can when you’re pooping, it’s not right. I think they covered this on Seinfeld. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/19 "2024-07-02T15:51:23Z")
Not a laxative effect but I feel like I’ve used the facilities to pee every time I’ve gone to a library or bookstore. ---
**Author:** ![Hermitian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hermitian/32/470_2.png) [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598/20 "2024-07-02T16:03:48Z")
Everyone? No. Some people? Yes. There are other articles about it on the internet. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-libraries-have-a-laxative-effect-on-everyone/1003598.md?page=2)