How to Maintain Very Old Books

Valuable vintage editions of classic, sentimental books you can't bring yourself to give away and priceless family Bibles that have passed through multiple generations are among the rare books that will deteriorate if they are not properly stored and handled through the years. To keep your old books in as good a condition as possible, follow important storage and handling rules.

Non-wood shelving
Glass-enclosed bookcase
Archival boxes

Instructions

- 1
  Discourage the warping of taller books by storing books of like height together so they lend each other support.
- 2
  Don't store volumes tightly packed against each other. This will create blemishes on the covers and will place stress on the spines.
- 3
  Use non-wood shelving, particularly if it is ventilated. Wood releases acids that are harmful to books.
- 4
  Store rare and valuable volumes at temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity range of 40 to 55 percent, according to The National Park Service, Department of Museums.
- 5
  Store books less than 18 inches in height and that have spines of less than 3 inches in the upright position. Store larger books flat.
- 6
  Store antique books in glass-enclosed bookcases when possible to protect them from dust and dirt and keep them away from sunlight.
- 7
  Consider putting especially valuable books in an archival box that is sized to the individual book.

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