Did you know that print books remain the top format for reading books?
In fact, 67% of Americans have read a print book in the last year.
It’s pretty obvious why — books are absolute treasures. And no matter how often you read them, they can certainly last a lifetime with the right care.
However, not many people know the key to maintaining their books to keep them in tiptop shape. To learn what mistakes to avoid — and some tips on combatting these mishaps, continue reading.
Mistake #1: Using Sticky Notes and Paperclips
You may like to annotate your book with sticky notes and paperclips, however, the adhesive is quite damaging to the pages. Paperclips can also rust, and destroy the book over time, so try to avoid these when you can.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Mold
Mold can grow onto the pages of your books if you’re not careful. This can tarnish the quality of the pages themselves, as well as your health! Mold can aggravate and worsen asthma and respiratory problems, so it’s best to keep an eye out and remove any mold as soon as you take note of it.
You can also avoid this situation altogether and provide an adequate temperature for your books year-round. Remember, books thrive in room-temperature. Avoid humid temperatures if you can.
Mistake #3: Keeping Books in Direct Sunlight
Another mistake often made by many, is leaving books out in the sun. The harsh UV rays can damage the pages and cause them to turn yellow. If you keep your books near a window, try and shut the blinds when the sun is particularly strong. Or attempt to keep your bookshelves towards the interior walls of your home.
Mistake #4: Eating While Reading
Sometimes, it’s convenient to eat and read at the same time. You’re bored on your lunch break or need a snack while flipping from page to page. However, the oil on your fingers can get onto the pages and affect the book’s longevity. So save that snack for later, instead.
Mistake #5: Not Carrying a Bookmark
When reading, always keep a bookmark with you. Folding the pages, or ‘dog-earing’ them can destroy them over time. A bookmark, however, allows you to keep your place without worrying about causing permanent damage.
Easy Solutions For Repairing Beloved Books: Using Cloth Book Tape
However, even when kept in proper conditions, books can still wear down over time. Thankfully, there are effective solutions you can utilize — consider using cloth book tape to put that title back together. Normal scotch tape you’d buy at the store can damage your book, so remember to always use binding tape meant for books.
But cloth book tape, on the other hand, is essential for anyone who lives and breathes literature. Make sure to prep your book first. Start by cleaning off the cover. You don’t want dirt and grime living under those taped edges.
Then, proceed to add the cloth book repair tape to the corners or spine — wherever it’s falling apart.
Some Final Thoughts on Book Repair Tape
By avoiding some of these key mistakes, and using cloth book tape to repair your hardbound books, your collection, and those lovely words resting within those pages, will live in for years to come.
