Storage Tips – How to Store Books

“A book never belongs to one person its whole life…it’s a wanderer and goes from place to place.”

There’s not too many objects in the world that live like a book. That’s why it’s important you maintain your books and ensure that your library lives to tell many stories. Here are some expert tips on how to properly store books.

TIP #1: STORE YOUR BOOKS IN A DRY AND PROTECTED SPACE

The biggest enemy of paper is water, so make sure to store your books far away from water, humidity and/or moisture.

• If a book does get wet, one of the only ways to save it is to place it in the freezer.
• If you find mold or mildew on a book, separate it from other books, so the mildew doesn’t spread.
• To eliminate a musty smelling book, put it in a plastic bag of cat litter to absorb the smell.

TIP #2:  STORE BOOKS IN PLASTIC BOXES

To avoid water, humidity, dirt and dust, be sure to store books in air-tight, plastic boxes. Plastic boxes will also protect stored books from insects and other pests.

TIP #3:  PACK YOUR BOOKS HORIZONTALLY

Within your boxes, pack your books horizontally to prevent damage. Spine-to-spine is always the best way to protect your books integrity during storage.

TIP #4: KEEP WEIGHT OFF OF BOOKS

Whether your library is shelved or stored, one of the most important things to remember is to keep weight off of books. The more weight on top, the more likely a spine is to roll, crack and break.

Keep these tips in mind to assure the best storage experience possible. And if you have any questions about storing your possessions, feel free to contact us.