How to Repair Rare Books

The value of rare books is largely dependent on the condition they are in. Unfortunately, the ravages of time can be hard on older books. To preserve a book and to retain its value, periodic repairs may be necessary.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dehumidifier
• Art gum eraser
• Plastic bag
• Fabric softener
• Acid-free tape
• Acid-free glue

1. Store the book in an area with low humidity. This will stop mildew and keep the book from deteriorating. If you live in an area with high humidity, buy a dehumidifier for the room where the book will be kept.

2. Use an art gum eraser. These are book repair tools that work like an eraser on pages and book covers. Use them gently to avoid more damage. Art gum erasers will take pencil and other unwanted marks off your rare books.

3. Change the shape of a warped book by weighting down warped edges. To get the book to lie flat, place heavy items at the corners. The weights should be left for at least two weeks to change the shape of the boards.

4. Get rid of musty smells in rare books by placing them in a plastic bag with a fabric softener. Seal the bag and leave both items inside for a few days. Remove the book and the fabric softener will have absorbed the smell. If the book is particularly foul smelling, use two fabric softeners.

5. Fix torn pages. Any page with a tear can be repaired by taping it shut with acid-free, clear tape. Press the tape slowly across the tear to avoid air bubbles. Tears can also be repaired with glue. Place wax paper under the page that’s being repaired. Spread a small amount of acid-free glue to the tear. Put more wax paper over the page and shut the book. Keep the book closed overnight to allow the glue to dry.

[shprice]

on 12/30/2008 Rare or collectible books should not be repaired by an amateur. Do not use tape unless you have access to reversible document tape available from library supply stores. It will take months, not weeks, to reduce a warp, or splay (a splay is what the editor is referring to). Make sure that musty smell is not mold.