Lazy Lion
Used Books & More
146 South Main Street
Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
(919) 552-9639
info@lazylionbooks.com
Monday 12 to 5
Tues -
Wed 10 to 5
Thu - Fri 10 to 8
Saturday 10 to 5
Closed Sunday
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Taking Care of Your Collectible Books
If you want to get serious about
collecting books, there's a few guidelines to follow.
| Don't Write in Your Books |
If you
already have put your name in them, accept this and deal with it. Don't scribble it out
with a pen or marker or white out - this is worse still. If for any reason you have a need
to put your name in a book, do it in pencil. |
| Shelving |
Place
books vertically on shelves that have more height and depth than you need, so that only
one edge of the book needs to be in contact with the shelf. Very large books should be
placed horizontally. Shelves without backboards are better, they give the air more chance
to circulate. The best places for shelves are away from sunlight, warmth and moisture,
which rules out much of the house, and means definitely not the garage or basement. A few
whole cloves in the corners of bookshelves will prevent mildew. A dark room, that is cool
and dry will be best. The attic is a definite no-no. |
| Storing |
The
best place is on a shelf. If you are out of room, use boxes. In boxes they should be
upright, as if they are on shelves. Do not stack the boxes. If you need more space
efficiency, lay the books down flat, but make sure that their spines are square and not
twisted. Do not wrap books with newspaper - it is very acidic. |
| Dust
Jacket Protectors |
Use
them. These are the clear plastic covers that public libraries use - and they know what
they are doing. Do not seal the actual books with plastic, for mold could develop. Several
companies on the internet sell these, or check with your local book dealer. |
| Critters |
Bugs
and rodents love books. The worst offenders include cockroaches, silverfish, mice and
termites. The ideal room (dry, dark and cool) will naturally have less critters, and even
less again if it is kept clean. Any bug remedy (spray, powder) will harm books, so cover
them and be careful. |
| Cleaning |
Give
them a wipe every year or so. Use a feather duster. |
| Removing
odors |
Place
the book in a bag of crumpled newspapers overnight. The newspaper will absorb the musty
odor. Otherwise, you can try pouring a few inches of cat litter or baking soda or charcoal
into a plastic container with a tight fitting lid. In a smaller container place the
offending book. Do not put a lid on the smaller container. Place the smaller container
into the larger container. Put a lid on the larger container. Books may be left in the
container for up to one month. |
| Reading |
Be
gentle. Have clean hands. Don't eat at the same time. Don't lick your fingers to turn
pages - not only will your finger start to taste bad, saliva is acidic. If you use
bookmarks, use thin ones. |
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