Every book lover out there should know how to store books for the long run. Here are some techniques you can follow so you don't have to wonder which material is best for wrapping your books or what storage type is the best for preserving those beloved books.
Although it would be tempting to skip and just
pack the books and look for the best storage solutions, you'd need to
inspect your books for damaging dust and pests.
If you have tons of valuable
books or special limited editions; you need to take some time to go through
them with a brush to remove the dust from the covers and the pages. You'd also
want to inspect for insect eggs on the individual pages.
Insect eggs are like tiny seeds, they might
not look like much for your books, but once they hatch, they can ruin the
books. Don't use bug spray or any bug repellant as it can damage the collection
more. Just wipe and remove the traces of insect eggs before packing.
A moldy or mildewing book can affect
other books in the storage. You'll need to air out books that feel damp or have a musty smell to avoid it. Make sure to have good air circulation to dry out
any problematic areas. Proper humidity and temperature control are one of the
golden rules when storing.
One of the reasons for dust jackets being included
on hardcover editions is to protect them from debris and damage. If one of your
concerns is to protect your books when they forgo long-term storage, consider
purchasing covers or slips for dust jackets.
Acquiring suitable materials for your books is
essential for storing your them in the long run. Avoid using newspaper or
plastic bags. Newspaper is acidic, and plastic bags will trap moisture inside,
threatening your precious library.
Instead, get a ream or two of archive paper.
This paper is acid-free and will ensure that your books will be in excellent
condition. You can also use bubble wrap but be careful as it can leave a dot pattern when
wrapped too tightly.
Use archival boxes or secure storage totes for
your personal Library's long-term storage. Cardboard boxes are not really an
excellent choice to determine how to best store books for the long run. Plastic
totes are great at protecting your books from physical damage and are also
prone to trap moisture since the lids are an airtight seal.
The best way to store your books long-term is
to keep them in a climate-controlled storage unit. Get units that are
temperature regulates and provides protection against frequent fluctuations in
temperature and humidity.
When left in an area prone to temperature
fluctuations and extreme humidity, books can deteriorate rapidly, even if you
follow all the other steps for optimal book storage. Therefore, professional
climate-controlled storage is a must for serious book collectors.
If you don't have room for climate-controlled
storage in your book collecting budget, determine the best place to store books
in your home. Most likely, this will be an upstairs closet or similar
temperature-regulated space.
We should always treat our books like they are
our most prized possessions, and we would do anything to make their life last longer.
Check out our options for self-storage for your personal Library.