This is a bit crude.
I’ve noticed that every single time I am in my local public library for more than fifteen minutes, I need to shit. Immediately. It does not matter if I went just before my trip to the library. This happens EVERY SINGLE TIME! I know of two other people to whom this also happens. Am I going mad? Or am I on the brink of exposing one of the strangest conspiracies of our time?
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Will it be moved to IMHO or MPSIMS? I’m gonna guess the latter.
I don’t know why it would be moved. The last thread on this subject stayed here in GQ, but I’m sorry to say it didn’t get a good answer.
Eeeew. I had no idea.
Dude! I have the same problem. It’s not just the library though. It happens in any bookstore as well. (I go to Borders a lot)
Maybe it’s got something to do with all the paper.
Much as I hate to be the voice of reason, it’s most likely due to the fact that you feel relaxed when you’re there. You’re going to take some time to browse through the books, no real pressure, and then BOOM! There is pressure.
If it were due to relaxation, then I’d want to take a dump after a massage. I don’t. But then again, I don’t feel the urge triggered by walking into a library, either. Which is probably a good thing, since my very first job when I was 16 was working in a library. My second job was working in a bookstore. Hmmm… Perhaps I am immune to this due to early conditioning.
Sh*tting out of fright is a well known phenomenon, called “bear’s desease”.
What are you afraid of in the library? Extra knowlege from books you may get? Forget it!
Exams at university. Fifteen minutes before the end. Always. Go figure.
Oh! :sniff: This is so wonderful! :sniff: For the first time in my life, I know that I am not alone! :wipes tear from eye:
In other words, it happens to me too, and I thought I was the only one.
In fact, this problem has seriously affected my career as a graduate student. I tend to avoid going to the library because I don’t like the bother of having to poo once I get there. I mean, I don’t mind using the library rest-room, but a simple trip to the library soon becomes kind of a production, what with juggling my bag and books and papers while dashing to the loo.
This is fascinating. There was a used book store in the next town. It was about fifteen minutes away, but every time I went there I had to defecate! It was like black magic! But the feeling usually came upon me when I got out of the car, even before I stepped inside. I don’t know how that bit of information fits in with the theorizing…
Your libraries must be really dull. All I can remember of the university library was the air thick with repressed sexual tension – no defecation in sight (uh…a poor choice of phrase).
Ever wondered why “DEFE-CATION” rhymes with “EDU-CATION”?
I’m new to SDMB, so I do my best to determine into which category my threads go. I apologize if this is the wrong one.
This is AMAZING! I had no idea that so many others have this strange problem. Of all the suggestions of reasons, I must say that I agree most with the book dust/fibre idea. I don’t find the library to be a calm place, nor do I get excited. I never have to shit when I go to a bookstore, either. It could be the standing thing, but I stand for a long time at the video store and never have to go. There must be a medical explanation. My parents think I’m nuts. I told them I was going to post this here, and they will be shocked by the results. It’s something that I want to ask my friends, but I don’t like talking about shit with my friends. This is a great, impersonal way to find I’m not alone. Thank you all.
That’s my best guess too. I really don’t buy into all the psychological explanations. There is only one library where I usually notice this phenomenon, and no bookstores. I’m sure there must be something in the air there. I just wish we could get to the bottom of it. Have you submitted this question to Cecil, Chum? He may be the only one able to answer it. (Cecil’s email link is at the bottom of this page, but he may be more responsive to snail mail).
Now that you mention it, I often have to shit at the library too (but not bookstores). While it would be easy to say people feel relaxed in libraries, I think your conspiracy idea is much closer to the bowl. I went to the local library where I found a stool pigeon willing to spill all. It seems that libraries are literally funded by the number of citizens who “go” there; who use their facilities. For that reason, aerosol forms of laxative are indeed sprayed through the library as a form of job security. Having seen many constipated and anal-retentive librarians in my day, this may explain why they are immune to the effects of the chemicals they use.
