Books are tougher than you think, but not indestructible
Most books are made of paper, glue, thread and card, and they last for decades with ordinary care. What shortens their lives is usually a handful of familiar things: moisture, strong light, heat, rough handling and neglect. You do not need special equipment to look after a normal collection. A few habits go a long way. Rare or valuable books are a different matter, and a conservator or specialist can advise on those.
Handling
- Clean, dry hands. Oils and dirt transfer to pages. You do not need gloves for ordinary books, and in fact clumsy gloves can make handling worse. Just avoid reading with greasy fingers.
- Open gently. Do not force a new paperback flat. Open it gradually, pressing the pages lightly from each side, to avoid breaking the spine. Hardbacks tolerate more, but cracking the binding still weakens it.
- Use a bookmark. Folding down page corners leaves permanent creases, and leaving a book face down and open strains the spine. A slip of paper or a proper bookmark is kinder. Avoid thick objects, which can distort the pages.
- Take it out properly. When removing a book from a tightly packed shelf, push the neighbors back and grip the spine’s middle. Pulling from the top edge of the spine can tear the headcap.
- Carry with protection. Slip books into a bag with a little padding so corners are not bent and covers are not scuffed.
Shelving and storage
How books sit matters. Most should stand upright with enough support that they do not lean, since leaning warps the spine and cover. Fill gaps with bookends. Very tall or heavy books are better laid flat, stacked in small piles, since their weight can pull the pages away from the binding when stood on end. More about layout can be found in the notes on arranging books on shelves and different shelving systems.
Give books a little breathing room. Packing them extremely tightly can damage covers when you pull one out, and it also limits air movement. Leaving a small gap helps.
Light
Sunlight fades covers and spines and can yellow paper over time. If a shelf sits near a window, consider moving valuable or favorite books elsewhere, or using curtains or blinds during bright hours. Ordinary indoor lighting is far less of a concern.
Moisture, heat and air
Damp is the worst enemy. It can cause mold, warped pages and a musty smell. Keep books away from bathrooms, damp basements, exterior walls prone to condensation and leaky windows. A steady, moderate room temperature is best, since swings between hot and cold, or between humid and dry, can stress paper and glue. Keeping books off the floor in rooms that might flood is a sensible precaution.
If a book gets slightly damp, stand it up with the pages gently fanned and let it dry in a well-ventilated room, away from direct heat. Heaters and hair dryers can warp and crack. For a soaked or moldy book, especially a valuable one, seek specialist advice rather than improvising. Moldy books can affect your breathing, so people with allergies or asthma should be careful and might want to ask someone else to handle them.
Dust and cleaning
Dust builds up on shelf edges and the top of book blocks. Every so often, wipe the tops of the books with a soft, dry cloth or use a soft brush, working away from the spine. Avoid wet cloths, sprays or household chemicals, as they can stain or damage covers. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment on low power is another option, but keep it away from fragile bindings.
Dust jackets can be protected with clear covers, though some collectors prefer to leave them alone. Sticky residue, such as old price labels, is better left unless you have a safe way to remove it, as it can tear the surface.
Pests
Silverfish, booklice and other insects are attracted to damp and starchy glue. Prevent problems by keeping the area clean and dry, and check any newly acquired books. This is one reason to inspect when buying second-hand books. If you find signs of insects, such as tiny holes or fine powder, isolate the book from the rest of your collection and get advice on treatment.
Food, drink and children
Keep drinks away from books while reading. Wipe small spills at once with a dry cloth and let the book air-dry. Young children may enjoy sturdier board books while they are learning how to turn pages gently, and an adult can model that care by example. Children who help choose and look after their own books often come to value them.
Storing for the long term
For books in boxes, choose sturdy containers and avoid sealing them in airtight plastic while they might still hold moisture. Store them somewhere dry with a stable temperature rather than a garage or an attic. Label boxes so you do not need to unpack them repeatedly.
When repair is reasonable
Small tears in a page can be mended with archival tape or paper, but ordinary tape yellows and becomes brittle. A loose page or detached cover on a cherished book is a case for a professional repair. For everyday paperbacks, accept some wear: a creased spine is a sign of a book that has been read.