How to Save an Old Bible

Old family bibles are treasured family heirlooms but over the years start to fall apart. Here are ways to restore or keep a special bible safe for future generations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• $100 - $200 for rebinding
• a storage box

1. If the cover is falling off and pages falling out, it may need expert rebinding. I've listed below links to companies that do this. Search for more on the internet by using the keywords "rebind Bible." The process is costly, so not something to do for ordinary Bibles that lack special significance. Just replace those with a new one.
2. Storage box for a Bible An alternate to rebinding the Bible is to store it in a decorative box. These can be purchased with religious carvings ornamenting the box. Just search the internet using the keywords "Bible box."
3. You can also make a box to fit your old Bible or look at storage boxes in Walmart or craft supply stores.
4. Many old Bibles are very thick and heavy. It is better to store these horizontally. If the Bible is standing upright on a bookshelf, don't let it lean or sag as that breaks down the spine so it eventually falls apart.
5. To preserve a fragile, family Bible, it's best not to use it for regular reading. Get a new Bible that can withstand frequent use, and save the precious family bible for special occasions and for future generations.
6. If the Bible is beyond repair, consider saving important pages from it. The family record of baptisms and marriages can be framed for display or can go into a family history scrapbook. Artwork in the Bible can also be framed and displayed.

Tips & Warnings

• Store the Bible where it isn't exposed to high heat or humidity (attic, basement, or garage are all bad areas).
• Although public libraries mend their books with a hot glue gun and book binding tape, they do not provide this as a service to the public. Their book repair techniques are more utilitarian than beautiful.