How to Care For Leather Bound Books

Store the books away from direct sunlight, which can damage both the exterior and interior of a leather book. Store the books in a dry room with a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the humidity in the room is no greater than 50 percent.

Place books in a glass-covered case if possible. Leave space behind and in front of the books so the pages and leather can breath. The glass protects the books from dust and other contaminants. Always store books upright. Do not stack books on top of each other, as it compresses the pages.

Once a year, use a feather duster to remove any excess dirt or dust from the surface of the book. Dust the book two or three times a year if you store the book on an open shelf.

Purchase paper or plastic book covers for use over the leather books. The Library of Congress recommends using a paper cover over leather bound books to keep them away from light and dust. Remove the covers once a year for about a week directly after dusting the books with the feather duster. Replace the covers after allowing the leather to breath. It is typically not necessary to apply any other treatments to the books.