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All books should be stored and handled with care to prevent accelerated aging. Preservation is particularly important for vintage books as they are more susceptible to damage and deterioration. Storage conditions, handling, humidity, dusting, sunlight and repairs must all be taken into consideration. Whether you plan to put your vintage books on display or keep them in boxes, here are several essential tips to help you preserve them properly.
You must carefully consider how you wish to store your vintage books. Those stored on shelves should be kept upright with small spaces between them to reduce pressure on the bindings. The only exception is for large books (atlases for example) which should rest flat in stacks of two or three. If you keep books of the same size together, over a long period of time, you’ll avoid indenting on covers. For books stored in boxes, check the container is sealed against light and damp (never store books in plastic bags). Ensure that you have removed bookmarks or paper clippings before storage to avoid leaving impressions.
Always take a book of the shelf carefully, pulling it from its mid or upper spine. Never hook your finger around the top of the spine as this will cause damage. Once the book is in your hands, cup them in a V-shape with the book resting on top as this will help preserve the spine. Always make sure your hands are dry and clean and turn pages carefully to avoid wrinkling. If you’re worried about a rare book, you can always wear white gloves to prevent oils transferring from your hands to the pages. Make sure your books have their dustjackets on as this will protect the cover and can increase the value of a rare book.
Vintage books are susceptible to even slight changes in humidity. To prevent damage and disintegration, keep your house from becoming too damp or too dry. A damp environment can cause mildew and mould to grow on old cloth covers and a dry one can cause leather covers to crack and glue to dry out. Try to keep temperatures between 16°C–9°C. The more constant the environment, the better. A darkish room with little exposure to the natural elements is your best choice. Light, but particularly UV light, can damage your vintage books, causing paper discolouration, deterioration of fabric and cracked bindings.
Vintage books that sit in storage for a long time can get dusty. Layers of dust on books can accelerate mould and can encourage insect infestations. Regularly dust your antique books, taking care with the top where the most dust can collect. Use a soft paintbrush or cloth to help you. Wipe down shelves too before returning your books. If you notice any damage or deterioration, don’t try fixing the problem yourself (unless you really do know how). Sellotape, elastic bands and glue will cause more damage. Loose boards can be held together with cotton tape but it is best to refer damaged volumes to a professional.
If you’ve been given a collection of vintage books for Christmas, you can now follow these steps to ensure your volumes are preserved for many years to come!
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