A second-hand book has already had one life. A little care helps it last for the next reader.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight. Light fades spines and makes paper brittle over time.
- Avoid damp and heat. Do not store books in a basement, an attic or against an outside wall. Steady, dry room conditions are best.
- Shelve them upright, with books of similar height next to each other, or lay large heavy books flat.
- Do not pull a book out by the top of the spine. Push the neighbouring books back slightly and take it by the middle.
- Dust gently with a soft, dry brush or cloth, from the spine outwards.
Musty smells and loose pages
A musty smell often fades if the book is left to air in a dry room for a while. If you see mould, keep the book away from your other books and ask for advice before trying to clean it.
Avoid sticky tape on loose pages or torn covers: it yellows and damages the paper. A bookbinder or a bookshop that deals in old books can tell you whether a repair is worth it.