Home >> Collecting >> Antiques

How to Store Old Books

Like old friends, books help define who we are. We treat many books as old friends and, like friends, we want to ensure that our books stay in good shape and are there when we need them. While it may seem acceptable to store your books in an attic or cardboard box, these types of storage conditions will cause your books to deteriorate over time. Like your friends, you need to keep your precious books close so you can nourish each book with the affection it deserves.

Things You'll Need

Finished wood bookshelf
Custom-fitted archival boxes
Bookends

Instructions

- 1
  Avoid storing books in areas that are prone to sudden drops and spikes in temperature. Ideally, you should store books in areas that are cool and dry.
- 2
  Keep books away from direct sunlight. Books exposed to sunlight over time begin to fade and deteriorate. When choosing an area for a bookshelf, choose an area that receives little to no sunlight.
- 3
  Store books vertically on flat shelves. Ideally, books should be stored on finished wood. If storing on unfinished wood shelves, line the shelves with acid-free board, because this will keep the books safe from the acidic vapors emitted from the unfinished wood.
- 4
  Avoid storing books in cardboard boxes. Cardboard contains damaging acid that can deteriorate books and paper over time.
- 5
  Protect extremely precious or delicate volumes by placing the books in custom-fitted archival boxes. Never wrap your books in newspaper, because acid and ink will cause damage to the book over time.
- 6
  Organize your books by size, keeping large books together as well as small. Use quality bookends to keep the books vertical. This will prevent your books from receiving stress-induced creases, folds or other malformations due to being pressed against a smaller or larger volume.
- 7
  Avoid repairing books with household items such as transparent adhesive tape. This tape yellows over time and will leave unsightly and damaging residue if removed.
- 8
  Store books in an area that receives plenty of fresh air circulating throughout the room. Enclosed areas can promote mildew and other contaminants to develop within the pages of your books.

Antiques