How to Replace Missing Pages in a Book

Everyone has books that have been damaged in some way, by water, a dog or from being shoved into a backpack the wrong way. Book spines crack, allowing pages to slip free that get lost or torn. You don't have to throw the book away, or pay full price to replace the whole volume! Read on to find out how to easily replace missing or damaged pages in a book.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Access to public library
• Access to photocopier, or scanner and printer
• Book repair tape
• Pencil
• Paper cutter or scissors
• Colored pencils or crayons (optional)

1. Locate another copy of your book, using your local library. If the library doesn't own it, they can find it at another location and borrow it for you using the Interlibrary Loan system. Try to find the exact edition, so that you can be sure the pages match up. See Tips section.
2. Once you have the other copy of your book, photocopy the pages you need.
3. Use the double-sided option on the photocopier. This can be tricky as most book pages are smaller than copy paper. You need to move the second page on the machine so that the pages will come out exactly back to back. You may have to experiment a few times. If making the copies in the library, ask a librarian for assistance if you need it. See Tips section.
4. Insert copied page into book. Use a page that's still attached as a template in order to mark the exact edges of the page onto the copy.
5. Use a paper cutter or scissors to cut the new page to the right size.
6. Lay book open to where page is missing. Use other books or weighted objects to keep the book as flat as possible while you insert the new page.
7. Follow manufacturer's instructions for the book tape. Some adhesives require water to activate. There are straight tape and hinged tape designs. See Tips section.
8. Cut book tape ¼ inch shorter than the length of the new page.
9. Hinged tape usually has 3 separate adhesives to remove--a center line, and 2 sides. Remove the center and right side adhesives first.
10. Affix the exposed side of the tape to the new page, along the binding edge. Be careful not to crimp the tape or apply on an angle. Quickly smooth out any bubbles.
11. Hold back the second half of the tape as you insert the new page into the book.
12. When the page is aligned properly, hold it firmly in place with one hand. Starting at the top, use your other hand to remove the remaining adhesive on the book tape.
13. The tape adheres to the existing, preceding page in the book, and now your new page is in place.
14. Flip the new page over and apply another piece of mending tape between the new and old pages.
15. For children's books with colored illustrations, use colored pencils or crayons to color in the newly copied pages. It can be an artistic challenge for you, or a fun project to do with your children!

Tips & Warnings

• You can also make copies using your home scanner and printer. Print out a copy of the first scanned page. Then flip the paper and reinsert into the printer, so that the new image will print on the opposite side. Arrange the second page on the scanner so that it will print out exactly back to back with the first page.
• Cloth tapes are good for archival quality protection and binding. They're a better choice if your whole book spine is broken open or if you need to affix a large number of pages. If you're just reinserting a few missing pages or reattaching loose ones, clear hinged or non-hinged tape is a better choice.
• If you're replacing a large chunk of pages, it's best to glue them back into the spine, then apply hinge tape to the outside sheets of the new pages.
• If the book you own is antique and/or rare, libraries might not be willing to lend it. They may be willing to copy the pages for you and send just the pages you need, so be sure to ask about that option.
• Be aware that some libraries charge a fee for Interlibrary Loan.