Ten simple tips for longer lasting books
20th October 2022 - 2.5 min read
We recently bought a box set of the ‘Nevermoor’ series, by Jessica Townsend, from a 12-year-old girl on Facebook marketplace.
They were in such perfect condition that I messaged her mum to ask if they’d been read at all. She told me her daughter was very particular about caring for her books.
Inspired by this young woman, we started treating our books better and now I’d like to share some tips with you on how to be a more humane book owner:
1. Open books gently
Books are like humans, not many of us are made to do the splits. Folding the pages right back damages (and sometimes breaks) the spine. Particularly with older books, pages can pop out when you open the book too wide. By holding the book partially open, without force, you can avoid the ugly white cracks you sometimes see on damaged spines.
2. Protect books when travelling
Books can be damaged by frequent shoving in and out of backpacks and bags. Put books in small paper, plastic or fabric bags. Then store them in their own pocket (or carry them) to avoid damage, marks and stains.
3. Be careful with food and liquids
I don’t know about you but, for me, one of the greatest joys in life is lounging in a cosy spot (or the bath!) with a cup of tea or coffee and something nice to eat while reading a great book. Obviously, your books will last longer if you’re careful not to get food, drinks and bath water on them.
4. Dust your books and book shelves
Books that sit in book shelves too long start to deteriorate, discolour and stain. Keep them in dust covers or book boxes. Remember to dust the shelves and the tops of the books.
5. Use bookmarks
Avoid marking your pages with dog ears. They look bad and they wreck the pages.
Anything can be a book mark: a receipt, a serviette on a plane or a food wrapper (A Toblerone wrapper serves as a nice reminder that you’ll be needing a Toblerone at some point in the near future).
6. Don’t leave them in bookshelves to sit unread and rot away
Books that aren’t used slowly rot away and sometimes become outdated by the time they’re given a second look. Books are meant to be shared. The joy of stories and collected information is enriching. So set your books free.
7. Write your inscription on removeable paper
Choosing a book and writing an inscription for someone is very personal and lovely. Instead of writing permanently in the book, you could find a nice piece of paper, write on it and stick it inside the cover with a bit of removeable sticky tape or washi tape.
8. Teach kids how to care for their books properly
Good book care is a habit that will stick with kids for life. Teaching them early on how to take care of their books will engender respect for their belongings and make sharing books nicer.
9. Store books in the book shelf when not in use
A lovely, crisp, compacted book is a beautiful thing. If you keep your books stored in the bookshelf between readings, they’ll come out fresh and new every time.
10. Avoid marking your books
Make your books useable for others by avoiding highlighter, pen or pencil markings. You can take photos or have a dedicated Note on your phone for book quotes and sections you like.
So why should we take better care of our books? Because, ideally, books should be read many times, last many years and be read by many people. This is one way to make our lives much more sustainable.
Do you have any tips for keeping your books in pristine condition?