TAKE CARE OF YOUR BOOKS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 69, 13 June 1927, Page 5

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BOOKS

By C. ROMANNE JAMES Damage to books is largely due to ignorance of their need of care, or indifference to it. Exposure to the heat of a fire warps the bindings, while books placed on shelves built against an outside wall become damp and mildewed If the volumes are wedged too tightly in a shelf, the bindings will suffer, though too loose an arrangement leaves space for dust. resh air is good for books, but strong light and artificial light are harmful, for gas, electricity and direct sunlight are disintegrating forces. A Book’s Deadliest Foe The deadliest foe to be found in a library of old books is the book-worm, of which there are said to be 72 different species. These insects have an inherited taste for paper made from rags and bindings treated with tan bark. They are, therefore, apt to attack old, valuable books and leave alone the modern ones made of paper almost wholly composed of wood pulp. Old books need constant dusting, brushing with a feather brush, and special treatment against book-worm with one of the patent preparations on the market, care being taken not to use any sort of acid that will injure the binding. Dry rot is another deadly foe to leather-bound books. The natural oil of the leather must be restored, so that dry rot becomes impossible, while a new brilliancy and suppleness is imparted to the leather. To Restore Books Ordinary books bound in black leather can be much improved by mixing two spoonsful of black ink with one of sweet oil. Apply a small quantity with a sponge and leave to dry. Books having canvas or linen covers may be restored by wringing a clean duster in hot water and rubbing the book cover briskly all over. Dry at once with another rubber.