If you’re lucky enough to own a home with a private library, it’s important to fill your shelves with books that are both valuable and of personal interest. However, collecting rare and old books can be a bit daunting for those who don’t have much experience. Consider the truths behind some common misconceptions about handling old books so you can begin personalizing your library.
Myth 1: Old Leather Is Too Fragile To Touch
People often think that old books will just fall apart when they touch them. Especially when it comes to genuine leather, people seem to worry that touching it will damage the book.
However, this is not the case at all. Leather needs moisture in order to maintain its soft, supple texture. When you hold a leather-bound book, you’re actually helping preserve it with the oils from your fingers.
Myth 2: You Should Wear Gloves When Handling Old Books
Movies and TV shows love to show scholars wearing white gloves while they flip through old books. In reality, most professional book preservationists say you should skip the gloves. Wearing gloves actually makes it harder for you to turn a book’s pages. If you can’t get a good grip, you’re more likely to damage the book.
Myth 3: Old Books Shouldn’t Stand Upright
This one is sort of a myth, but there’s also some truth to it that you should know if you’re putting together your first home library. The most important thing when storing old books is that you give them the necessary support; they should never lean or slouch on the shelves.
Sometimes, the cover of a book may extend past the edges of the pages, causing the book to warp when placed upright. In situations like these, it’s appropriate to store the book on its side. Just don’t stack anything on top of it!
The Perfect Home Library
Every book lover dreams of having their own personal library. Even if you’re not a big reader, you can still collect volumes you think are important. Avoid these common misconceptions about handling old books so your collection stays in good condition. A quality book collection is a wonderful thing to pass down through the generations.
