How to store old books: useful tips

Old editions, of course, are in demand among second-hand booksellers, and every year their value is steadily growing. And that their cost, on the contrary, did not fall, it is necessary to create the right conditions for the storage of rare editions. Important aspects such as the microclimate (temperature and humidity), lighting, location of books.

The optimal temperature range for storing old books is from +15 to +22°C. as for the humidity level, it is recommended to adhere to the range of 55-60 %. Excessive moisture leads to mold and mildew on the pages and cover. Lack of moisture also negatively affects the material, makes the pages brittle, the publication quickly ages.

Antique books need to be hidden away from the sun, otherwise the paper will turn yellow. Ink also experiences the negative effects of sunlight, gradually fading. Old books are better placed perpendicular to the window, closing the glass partition. This protection will prevent dust from entering the shelves, as well as protect against smoke if the room is often smoked.

Cleaning books should be carried out regularly with a soft brush or cloth. The necessary tools can be found in the Violity.Shop. If you do not follow the purity, in the depths of the library will actively develop harmful microorganisms.

To put books densely to each other it is undesirable. Taking out a book, you can accidentally damage the binding. In addition, the convex elements of ancient folios will be scratched due to active contact with neighboring volumes.

Wet pages are dried by means of filter paper. Material put between pages, close the book, and from above press down a small press. Degreasing of pages occurs by means of magnesia, and the rust is eliminated by citric acid, which is previously diluted in water.