Best Way to Preserve Books
Many people have old books laying around that are accruing dust, fraying at the edges or even becoming moldy. Whether it's an heirloom Bible that's been passed down from generation to generation or just an especially treasured copy of a fiction novel, you will want to take steps to preserve these books so that they can be enjoyed for many years to come.
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Instructions
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Prepare the book for preservation by first cleaning the covers. Gently wipe the covers with a very soft cloth or even a feather duster to remove any dust that has accumulated over time.
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Put the original jacket cover on the book if it came with one, or instead purchase a slip cover to wrap around the book's covers.
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Put the book snugly inside an archival box just large enough to hold it to protect it from sunlight, prevent further dust from building up and to keep insects or mice from nibbling on it.
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Store the box in a temperature-controlled room which doesn't become overly warm or cold as both extremes can speed up the decaying process.
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Remove the book carefully from the box when you need to read it or show it off and be sure to never open the book so that it is completely flat as the binding will eventually break.
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Tips & Warnings
Most public libraries have professionals who are trained in book preservation that you can contact for additional tips or hands-on help. Some books that were printed in the early 1900s used paper with a high acid content that will become discolored over time. The only effective way to preserve these books is to either copy their contents or take them to a professional archivist.
Always check to see what materials a box, case or cover is made of before placing a book inside it as some of these types of containers are composed of materials with a high acid content, which can make the book degrade faster. Never leave a book in an area that can potentially become wet or humid such as a kitchen or bathroom.
Resources
- Photo Credit Jim's Book Club
