HOW TO STORE AND CARE FOR BOOKS SAFELY

PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE FULL ISSUE PREV FULL ISSUE

V22 2019 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 22, Number 45, November 10, 2019, Article 26

HOW TO STORE AND CARE FOR BOOKS SAFELY

Scott Semans writes:

I'm looking for an effective way to store books under adverse conditions, where access to the book (reading) is not a concern. My book inventory in this wet climate is subject to dampness from multiple sources, as well as occasional freezing temperatures. Controlling the atmosphere and temperature are possible, but only to a degree, and I've found I need a backup. The bags made for comics and magazines are a partial solution, but once breached, they hold in water and make the situation worse. I'm thinking in terms of the shrink wrapping publishers do, but with thicker, more temperature-resistant film. Wondering if anyone has tried this, or has a different suggestion.

Great question, and a topic we haven't discussed in some time. What do our numismatic bibliophiles recommend? Here's an article I came across this week, but it's very high-level and doesn't go into the specific question Scott raised. -Editor

Climate and Humidity
Vintage editions are especially susceptible to minor fluctuations in temperature and humidity. To deter from disintegration or flaws in the paper or binding, keep temperatures between 65–70 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels at a steady 30–50 percent. Rooms with temperature and humidity controls are commonly used in libraries to store older artifacts, and can help preserve their condition for a longer period of time. But if you are looking to store these items in your own home, look for rooms with minimal windows and exposure to the natural elements, and invest in a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels at a low and constant level.

Dry heat can also become an issue, causing leather covers to crack and book glue to dry out, changing the form and appearance of rare novels. To help prevent these issues and monitor the humidity levels in your home, a hygrometer can be used to ensure ideal conditions that will keep your books in prime condition for years to come.

To read the complete article, see:
How to Store, Preserve, and Care for Rare Books (https://www.invaluable.com/blog/how-to-preserve-rare-books/)

Wayne Homren, Editor

The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org.

To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com

To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum

PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE FULL ISSUE PREV FULL ISSUE

V22 2019 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE