5 Simple Ways To Protect Your Books From Wear And Tear


Just like us, books follow us in age. As we start to wrinkle, so do the pages of used books. Similarly, there are a number of effective ways to lengthen the lives of our precious books considerably just like how we keep track of our own health. Have a look at what you can do to protect your books for the bright and beautiful future.

1. Spray me – The sunscreen for books

Source: Amazon

Source: Amazon

With a small investment, deacidification sprays can save your books’ day. Many of these sprays protect your books from the slow yellowing of pages and neutralize acids that accumulates and decays paper. This is also a popular option with your valuable scrapbooks and art projects! Popular brands such as Archival Mist or Krylon are definitely something to keep your eyes on.

2. Shelve me right – Protect their back like you would for your own

Source: Graphic Stock

Source: Graphic Stock

In our youth, we have strong spines; as time dries our spine to brittleness, so too do books under pressure. Sometimes a bad habit we may have is leaving books horizontally positioned on top of one another to save up space. Over time, this breaks the spines of our young books. Do them a favor and give them the space they deserve… otherwise they might just sink under the weight of other books!

3. Bag me up – Buckling yourself and your book up for bumpy rides

Source: Brodart

Source: Brodart

Many of us have had the experience of having to put their books in their backpacks. After a few weeks of bus rides, running and even walking along with your books, you’ll notice creases along the pages, bends and sometimes even tears. Just like riding a bike and wearing a helmet, give your books some protection before you go out. Be aware not to use plastic bags or any containers that can lock in moisture; you want something made out of acid-free material. Now you can take your books on those trips outside! Bags Unlimited and Brodart may have the bags you’re looking for!

4. AH THE SUNLIGHT – They will heat up just like us

Source: Graphic Stock

Source: Graphic Stock

Contrary to the delightful pictures of people enjoying their books on the beach, it is always important to make sure you have some shade both for yourself and your lovely readable companion. Keeping books in the sun for too long will have them shrivel up and become easy to tear; getting sunburn is also not very fun for yourself!

5. Please don’t eat on me – Treating your book with respect

Source: Newsam News

Source: Newsam News

You’re not eating with your books; you’re using them as something to eat on. All the crumbs or spills you leave on your book will leave it susceptible to insects. Treating your books with the respect they deserve will definitely have them with you longer and happier!

 

Have a look at the top 10 rarest books that have survived the ravages of time! Which of your books would you save?

YouTube Channel: Top Lists

 

Featured image via Graphic Stock

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