Quick Answer
Children’s books should be stored long term in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Hardcover books will last longer than paperbacks. Store books upright on shelves or in boxes to prevent damage to covers and pages. Consider covering paper dust jackets with clear plastic covers. Use archival plastic bags or acid-free boxes to help preserve valuable books. Digitize prized books to preserve content. Handle gently, keep away from food and drink spills.
Should Children’s Books Be Stored in a Cool, Dry Place?
Yes, keeping children’s books in a cool, dry place is recommended for long term storage. Hot, humid conditions can damage books over time. Moisture causes pages to stick together, covers to warp, and illustrations to run. A consistent temperature around 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of about 45% is ideal. Avoid attics, basements, garages or anywhere with extreme temperature and moisture fluctuations.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Do not store children’s books in direct sunlight. The UV radiation can fade and discolor covers and pages. Bright light also speeds up chemical reactions that lead to paper deterioration. Find a spot away from windows and out of direct light. Consider covering windows with curtains or blinds to protect books.
Air Circulation Is Important
Proper air circulation helps prevent moisture buildup. Do not pack books too tightly on shelves. Leave some space between books and keep a few inches between the books and any walls. Allow space at the top and bottom of shelves for airflow. A dehumidifier or periodic air circulation with a fan will help in damp climates.
Do Hardcover Books Last Longer Than Paperbacks?
Yes, hardcover books generally last much longer than paperback books when stored properly. Hardcover books have more durable bindings, thicker paper, and protective dust jackets. The covers on paperback books often bend, wrinkle, or tear more easily over time and the pages are more delicate. Old paperbacks are prone to yellowing while hardcovers can maintain a bright, clean look for decades. Valuable hardcover children’s books like first editions should be specially protected for preservation.
Monitor Paperback Condition
Inspect paperback books periodically for damage and replace ones that are starting to deteriorate. Check for tears, loose pages, and split spines. Open books fully to prevent the spine from cracking. Discard paperbacks showing advanced wear and replace with fresh copies to retain a nice appearance on shelves. Handle gently and limit use to maintain condition as long as possible.
Clean Hardcovers Gently
Keep hardcovers looking attractive by gently dusting the exterior whenever needed. Use a very soft cloth or brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner. Take care not to scrub surfaces or apply pressure which could scuff or scratch the covers. Wipe pages by fanning through each book while holding the pages firmly to avoid ripping. Consult a professional if old stains or other stubborn grime needs removal from valuable books.
Should Books Be Stored Upright or Flat?
For long term preservation, children’s books should be stored upright rather than flat. Upright storage avoids excess pressure on the spine which can cause the pages to come loose from the binding over many years. Don’t stack books flat or pile other heavy objects on top that could bend pages or crush covers. Shelving books upright also enables easy inspection of titles and quick retrieval.
Cradle Large Books
Very thick, oversized books should be cradled upright with support underneath to keep the weight from pulling at the spine. Place a bookend, wood block, or other object under the back cover to take pressure off the binding. Avoid storing oversized books flat or stacking anything heavy on top. The pages can separate from the binding if flexed repeatedly by the weight of the book itself over time.
Support Paperbacks
Upright storage is especially important for paperback books which have more delicate spines. Place a bookend or small support against the open front cover to keep the book upright and take stress off the spine. Avoid packing paperbacks tightly together on shelves. The added weight and pressure could cause them to sag or fold over. Give paperbacks ample breathing room for the longest life.
Should You Store Books in Boxes or on Shelves?
Books can be stored long term either on shelves or in boxes. Shelving allows books to be displayed and easily identified. However, boxes provide more protection. Choose based on your storage situation, collection size, and value of the books. Here are some guidelines:
- Shelve common children’s books for functional access.
- Box antique, rare or fragile books for protection.
- Use closed cabinets to shelter shelves from light damage.
- Pack books horizontally in boxes to prevent crushing.
- Pad boxes with acid-free tissue or foam for shock absorption.
- Seal boxes with tape for structural integrity.
- Label boxes clearly to identify contents.
Properly packed boxes keep valuable books cleaner and more protected through moves or during periods of storage between display. Boxing books also helps manage collections that have outgrown current shelving.
Monitor Shelved Books for Damage
Regularly inspect books on shelves for slumping, tearing, and other damage. Dust jackets may tear on shelf edges allowing soiling of covers beneath. Sunlight can fade and dry out exposed spines. Reshelve any books showing wear and replace deteriorated dust jackets to extend shelf life. Consider boxing fragile books and rotate stock to give covers a rest from prolonged display.
Limit Moisture in Boxes
Check boxes of books in storage occasionally for moisture buildup. Water condensation can occur inside sealed cartons leading to mildew or mold growth. Place desiccant packs in boxes to absorb excess humidity. If dampness is detected, remove books for inspection and dry boxes thoroughly before returning contents. Store boxed books off concrete floors to prevent wicking of ground moisture.
Should You Cover Paper Dust Jackets?
Yes, covering a paper dust jacket with a protective plastic cover is recommended to help preserve the condition. The clear overlays prevent tears, scuff marks, and general wear over time. Choose archival polyester or polyethylene covers for important books. Avoid plastic made with PVC which can react with paper dust jackets causing damage. Apply covers carefully avoiding creases and overlap edges inside the book for invisibility.
Inspect Dust Jackets Frequently
Dust jackets give historical context and graphical appeal to children’s books. Check them regularly for tears or rubbing, especially along outside edges and spine folds. Apply protective covers before first use to keep valuable jackets pristine. Replace a damaged jacket with a fresh overlay or consult a professional for restoration advice. Never apply tape directly to a rare paper jacket.
Consider Replacement Dust Jackets
For highly valued books, purchase a duplicate dust jacket for active use. Keep the original jacket preserved beneath a protective cover or in acid-free storage. Use the replacement jacket for general handling to maintain a like-new appearance and swap back the original if the book is sold or put on formal display. Handle irreplaceable jackets very gently by the edges or wear cotton gloves.
Should You Use Archival Bags or Acid-Free Boxes?
Yes, storing children’s books in archival plastic bags or acid-free boxes is recommended to help prevent deterioration over the long term. Regular plastic and paper contain chemicals that break down over decades releasing compounds that can damage book pages and covers. Acid-free materials are inert non-reactive supplies specially formulated for preserving collections.
Look for Archival Labels
When buying archive supplies, check product descriptions for the terms “acid-free”, “lignin-free” or “archival quality”. Polyethylene and polypropylene plastic bags with these qualifications are suitable. Opt for sturdy all-board construction boxes rather than wood pulp or corrugated cardboard which contains high acid content.
Wrap Books Individually
For important individual books, wrap each one separately in an oversized plastic bag before boxing to prevent rubbing against other items. Choose bags rated for archival use. First wrap the book in acid-free tissue paper to prevent plastic directly contacting the cover. This minimizes chemical interaction over time. Seal wrapped books inside boxes with tape for added protection.
Should You Digitize Prized Books?
Yes, digitizing prized children’s books is an excellent way to preserve both the content and condition for the future. Creating electronic copies protects against loss from damage to originals. Here are tips for effective digitization:
- Scan books to create high resolution archival image files.
- Transcribe text via OCR software to enable searching.
- Photograph unique attributes like inscriptions, stamps.
- Save files redundantly on external drives or cloud backup.
- Record bibliographic data, history and other metadata.
- Convert scans to accessible ebook formats.
- Share digital surrogate widely while storing original safely.
Digitization followed by safe dark storage is ideal for rare publications. Display a print facsimile to enjoy visual beauty while preserving condition of the vintage original for generations to come.
Prioritize Fragile Volumes
Start digitizing efforts with extremely old, delicate or unstable books at highest risk for damage through handling. Brittle paper, broken bindings and detached pages require expert conservation treatment first. Save these most fragile books by creating digital surrogates early while still salvageable.
Organize Metadata
Meticulously catalog details during scanning to maximize future search and research value. Note title, author, publisher, publication date, page count, condition flaws, inscriptions and provenance. Photograph book plates, stamps, marginalia or other unique characteristics. Record digitization methods and data formats as well.
How Should You Handle Children’s Books for Longevity?
Always handle children’s books gently for longest life. Here are tips:
- Grasp covers, avoid squeezing spines.
- Support pages from underneath when open.
- Turn pages carefully by corners.
- Keep hands clean or wear cotton gloves.
- Never force spine open flat.
- Do not write on or fold pages.
- Repair damage promptly and professionally.
- Transport books upright in sturdy boxes.
Take extra care with antique or delicate volumes. Never touch paper or bindings with bare hands which transfer oils and moisture. Use a book cradle or foam supports to eliminate stress on fragile spines and bindings. Turn pages using tool rather than fingers. Provide adequate table space when consulting or photographing open books.
Inspect Children’s Handling
When books are used by children, supervise closely and demonstrate proper handling. Do not leave fragile books unattended with youngsters. Ensure little fingers are free from potentially staining snacks when enjoying prized volumes. Return books promptly to protective storage after use rather than leaving out on tables or floor vulnerable to accidents.
Limit Light Exposure
Only display the sturdiest books as art objects for prolonged periods. Rotate volumes to give covers a rest and avoid overexposure of paper pages to ambient light. Keep handling under UV filtered light and consider display cases or curtains to filter sunlight. Limit open display time for extremely light-sensitive materials like newspapers and scrapbooks.
Should You Keep Food and Drinks Away from Books?
Definitely avoid food and drink spills around valuable books. The moisture quickly stains and sticks pages together. Sugary spills attract pests eager to eat into bindings. Greasy finger foods produce residue that transfers to pages. Just water drips can leave permanent warped ripples. Follow common sense precautions:
- Enforce “no food or drink” rules in collections.
- Keep snacks and beverages far from shelves and reading areas.
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling books if just eaten.
- Supervise young children closely around books.
- Do not place open liquid containers near books.
- Use covers and bookmarks rather than leaving volumes open face down.
A single spill can irreparably damage a treasured book. The safest approach is to strictly limit food and beverages anywhere important books are stored or used. Accidents happen lightning fast so proactive prevention is essential.
Deal With Spills Immediately
If an accident does occur, take prompt corrective action. Blot wet pages gently with absorbent paper or cotton towels. Do not rub or brush stains which may further grind in debris. Dry books upright, separated, on towels or racks. Seek professional restoration if moisture penetrates covers or bindings. Remove stuck pages surgically with utmost care. Discard seriously damaged books properly to avoid pests.
Clean Hands Before Use
Wash hands after meals before handling books. Residual oils and food particles transfer easily to paper and bindings when pages are turned. Sticky fingers increase chances of tearing delicate paper. Dirty hands also leave unsightly smudges on light book covers. Make hand washing before usage part of collections handling protocol. Alternatively, wear thin cotton gloves for added protection from skin oils and snacking residues.
Should You Repair Children’s Book Damage Promptly?
Yes, promptly repairing any damage to children’s books helps prevent further deterioration. Small problems tend to worsen over time if ignored. Teach children to report damage like torn pages or loose bindings so issues can be fixed right away by these methods:
- Mend tears with archival tape or paste paper strips.
- Reinforce splits in spines and hinges.
- Recase loose pages by professional rebinding.
- Reattach covers firmly but avoid overtightening.
- Consult a professional conservator for guidance.
Save all separated parts like covers, endpapers, and jacket fragments during damage. Make temporary repairs if needed to stabilize condition for a conservator. Document damage thoroughly in metadata records.
Assess Damage Severity
Judge whether repair attempts may further jeopardize fragile items. Brittle paper tears can worsen if mishandled. Delicate spines are often too fragile for DIY fixes. Know when to send valuable books to an expert binder before well-intentioned repairs make matters worse through over-manipulation. Seek professional opinions for guidance.
Use Archival Quality Repair Materials
Ensure all supplies used to mend books are acid-free and reversible. Opt for archival document repair tape without acidic adhesives. Never use regular cellophane or masking tape which yellows, fails over time and damages paper and bindings it adheres to. Select neutral pH paper and wheat starch paste. Consult archives specialists for guidance selecting safe, long-lasting materials for book repairs.
Conclusion
Proper storage and gentle handling keeps children’s books readable and enjoyable for generations. Monitor for damage, control temperature and humidity, avoid light exposure, box gently, digitize prize volumes, repair early, and keep away food and spills. Teach kids to treat books with care and respect. Protect irreplaceable volumes for posterity by following these archival practices from the start. Books link the past, enrich the present, and preserve creativity for the future.
