Essential Tips for Caring for Your Book Collection: 101
Taking care of your book collection ensures that your beloved books remain in excellent condition for years to come. Here are five crucial tips to help you preserve and protect your literary treasures:
1. Mylar Covering for Dust Jackets
Invest in mylar covers for the dust jackets of your books. I personally like to use Brodart’s super clear rolls and cut them. I prefer not to use the paper-backed mylar, but to each-their-own. These transparent covers provide a protective layer that shields against dust, moisture, and light. Mylar covers are especially useful for preserving the artwork and condition of dust jackets, which can significantly enhance the value and appeal of your books. Remember: sun damage is irreversible.
2. Choose the Right Bookcase or Bookshelf
Select a sturdy and spacious bookcase or bookshelf to store your books. Ensure that the shelves are adjustable to accommodate books of various sizes without overcrowding. Storing books upright helps maintain their structural integrity and prevents unnecessary wear on the spines. When taking your book from the shelf, always pull your books from the sides, by nudging it’s neighbors lightly aside, never pulling from the spine’s crown. A fully enclosed bookcase with glass is best, as dust tends to settle on the top text block.
3. Control the Environment
Place your bookcase or shelves in a location away from direct sunlight and excessive dust. Exposure to sunlight can cause fading and discoloration of book covers and pages over time. Maintain a stable environment with moderate temperature and humidity levels to prevent mold growth and deterioration of paper and bindings. Foxing is caused by exposing paper to moisture, and this is avoided mostly by keeping books in a dry space.
4. Keep Hands Clean
Handle your books with clean hands to prevent transferring oils, dirt, or moisture to the pages and covers. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling books, especially if you have been eating or applying lotions. Clean hands help maintain the cleanliness and condition of your books, ensuring they stay pristine for years. There is no extra need for gloves to handle rare books, as often times, gloves can catch or scratch the dust jackets, or the book can be mishandled and dropped.
5. Use Bookmarks Instead of Folds
When reading your books, use bookmarks made of acid-free paper or thin fabric to mark your place. Avoid folding down page corners, as this can lead to creases and damage to the pages over time. Using bookmarks is a gentle and effective way to preserve the structural integrity of your books while keeping track of where you left off.
There you have it.
By following these five essential tips, you can ensure that your book collection remains a source of joy and inspiration for years to come. Taking care of your books not only preserves their physical condition but also enhances your reading experience and the value of your collection over time.
Remember: as a collector you are a liaison, often if we collect for our entire lives, the books will eventually change hands to another. Taking care of your books is paramount to preservation.
