The Printed Page: Learn About Book Care

Sophia V.

February 28, 2025

August 3, 2024

Several books lined up next to one another.

Books are more than tools for learning or entertainment: They are records of our thoughts, stories, and discoveries. Whether you're collecting novels, studying from textbooks, or enjoying a favorite series, the way you care for your books can make a lasting difference.

Learning to care for your books is not about perfection. It's about awareness, small choices, and treating each volume as something worth preserving.

Handle Books With Care

One of the easiest ways to preserve a book is to handle it thoughtfully every time you use it. Before picking up any book, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Oils, sweat, and food residue may seem harmless, but over time, they can discolor pages, attract dust, and leave behind stains.

You should also open books gently. Avoid pulling or stretching the spine, especially if the book is new or tightly bound. Forcing open a book to lie completely flat may crack the spine or weaken the glue. If you're reading something large or heavy, support the covers and spine with both hands or place it on a surface where it can rest comfortably. And take care when turning pages: Flipping too quickly or bending them back can cause rips or creases. A gentle touch goes a long way in keeping a book intact.

Mark Your Place Without Damage

Losing your spot in a book can be frustrating, but folding down a corner, often called dog-earing, leaves permanent marks and weakens the paper. Over time, these small folds can tear off or lead to larger damage.

A simple bookmark solves this. It can be anything flat and clean, such as a strip of paper, a ribbon, or an actual bookmark. Just avoid using sticky notes, receipts with adhesive, or items like paper clips, which can leave imprints or cause tears. Choosing a proper bookmark helps preserve the book's condition and can add a personal touch to your reading experience.

Store Books Safely

How and where you store your books makes a big difference in how long they last. While digital formats like e-books and PDF documents are easily stored on devices, printed books rely on a stable physical environment to stay in good condition. Books should be kept upright on a shelf, supported by neighboring books or bookends to prevent them from leaning or warping. If a book is too large to fit standing up, lay it flat rather than forcing it to fit. And don't shove too many books onto a shelf; compressing your books can put stress on the bindings or even warp their covers.

Make sure books are stored in a space that is cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause fading and yellowing, while high humidity can lead to mold or mildew. Try to avoid storing books in places like basements or attics or next to heating vents, where temperatures and moisture levels can fluctuate.

If you need to store books for a long time, use boxes made of breathable materials. Avoid sealed plastic containers, which can trap moisture and cause damage.

Keep Books Clean

Dust and dirt can collect on books over time, especially on the top edges. Lightly dust your collection using a soft, dry cloth or a gentle brush. Always wipe from the spine outward to avoid pushing particles into the pages.

If a cover becomes smudged, gently wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use water or household cleaners. These can damage the paper or finish. Also, avoid using erasers on pages made with traditional print methods, since they can smudge ink or tear the paper.

For more serious cleaning or repairs, especially on valuable or older books, ask for help from a librarian or book preservation specialist.

Don't Read Around Food and Drinks

Reading with a snack or drink may feel cozy, but it comes with risks. A single spilled drink or greasy fingerprint can ruin a book. Crumbs can attract insects that feed on paper and glue. Even steam from a warm drink can curl pages or damage covers.

To avoid accidents, keep food and beverages away from your reading area. If you do read while eating, try using a book stand or placing the book on a clean, elevated surface. Small changes in your habits can prevent permanent damage.

Protect Books While Traveling

Books often get damaged during travel. Tossing a book into a backpack, purse, or suitcase without protection can lead to bent covers, creased pages, or torn corners. To keep books safe, pack them between soft items or use a padded sleeve or folder. And avoid leaving books in hot cars or bringing them to places where they may get wet, such as the beach or poolside. Heat and moisture can warp pages, melt adhesives, or cause mold to develop.

Be Careful About Writing in Books

Many people like to write in their books, especially when studying or analyzing a text. Annotating can be a helpful habit, but it's important to do it carefully and respectfully.

If the book is borrowed or belongs to a library, you should never write in it. Even pencil marks can leave impressions that are hard to erase. In your own books, consider using a pencil and keeping notes in the margins, rather than underlining large sections or using highlighters that might bleed through the page.

If you're unsure whether a note is worth making directly in the book, jot it down in a notebook instead. This keeps the book clean and gives you space to expand on your thoughts.

Repair Damage the Right Way

If a page tears or the binding begins to loosen, it can be tempting to fix it with ordinary tape or glue. However, most household tape yellows over time and becomes brittle. And standard glue may stain the paper or damage the spine. Instead, use archival-quality repair materials that are designed to preserve paper.

If the damage is significant, such as a detached cover or moldy pages, contact a professional who specializes in book repair. They can provide the right solution without causing further harm.

Use Extra Care for Valuable or Sentimental Books

Some books have special meaning because they are rare, old, or connected to personal memories. These deserve more protection than the average paperback. Store them in a stable environment where light, heat, and moisture are kept to a minimum. Use protective sleeves, cloth covers, or archival boxes for an added layer of security.

Handle special books gently and as little as possible. If a book is fragile, you might wear cotton gloves when turning pages to avoid transferring oils or dirt from your hands. If you are unsure how to store or care for a unique book, consult a library or archive with preservation experience.

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