If you expect a book to last, better take care of it now. Books are fragile things that hold history, information, inspiration, entertainment, and other things with the potential to greatly affect its readers between its covers. They are one of the best things you can pass on down to your children, and they are the best decor for one’s home, too.
No matter what kind of book you have, you can care for it so it lasts you a lifetime (and others’ lifetimes, as well). One of the first things to remember is to keep books in a place with cool, dry place. Humidity is one of the biggest enemies of books and book paper. If you live in a humid environment, invest in portable dehumidifiers which you can place behind books or strategically on book cases and shelves. If your home has it, it’s best to keep books in air-conditioned rooms so the temperature is regulated.
Avoid keeping books around food and drink. Spills can happen, and insects won’t be able to resist the crumbs and smears that could get to your book’s pages. Even cook books should be kept away from the kitchen, as the heat and steam from the stove and other cooking appliances can quickly warp the covers and pages.
Keep the dust jacket cover of books even if you like having the fabric-bound covers exposed. They are there for a reason, and yes, that is to keep dust and mold away from the precious book’s pages. Steer clear of plastic covering and stick to acid-free paper jackets if you can.
Filter the light sources near your book cases so as not to do damage to the paper. Even natural light has ultraviolet rays which can destroy books over time. It’s best to keep book cases and shelves away from direct light sources, and place them in a relatively dark corner of the house, such as a library or study.
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