If you have any antique books in your collection, it is important to know how to protect them. Storing them properly in a humidity controlled environment and handling them gently are all part of caring for antique books. Learning how to repair your books is also essential to keeping them in good condition.
Books, especially older ones, are prone to developing mildew. These spores can spread rapidly and destroy an antique book. To prevent mildew from developing, it is important to keep books stored in a room with temperature and humidity control. Air conditioning is almost always a must, and running a quality dehumidifier can be essential in preventing damage to your antique book collection. Placing a dry-cleaning pad, which can be purchased at large retail stores and from dry cleaners themselves, around or inside the book can help to soak up any additional moisture, thereby preventing mildew.
Books