Caring for Books of Value | Ask the Expert

The year before Ken Gloss was born, his father, George, took over Boston’s Brattle Book Shop, which was then 124 years old. Ken started working at the shop caring for books when he was just a boy. Now in its 191st year, the Brattle is one of America’s most venerable bookshops, and Ken, who has been proprietor since 1985 and who makes frequent appearances on Antiques Roadshow, is among the world’s most recognizable authorities on used and rare books. He has advised countless book lovers over the years, and generously shared his wisdom with us.

One Size Fits Most

The proper care for your books, of course, depends on many variables. But over the years, Gloss has learned to cut to the chase. “I have a quick answer that is my starting point when the question comes up—99 percent of books, even old books, are not particularly valuable. Generally speaking, if you are comfortable, the books are comfortable. Follow that logic and most of the time they’ll be fine.” Books can, however, be damaged by extreme changes in temperature and humidity, so avoid storing them close to heat sources or in areas that experience wide fluctuations.

Serious Collectors

There’s a big difference between a serious collector and the average person with the average library. Most people are not going to be building fireproof cases or installing temperature-control equipment. If you think your books are valuable, consult a book dealer. If a book is fragile, sometimes a binder can make a box for it. Do not attempt to clean or mend valuable books yourself. Consult a binder or a paper conservationist for estimates of repair costs. “Keep in mind that these are trained craftspeople, so their work will not come cheap,” Gloss says, “and the value of the book will likely not be increased by the repair, so have an idea of how much is too much going in.”

Protected Location

When deciding where to keep your books, consider these key factors: Books will fade if shelved in direct sunlight, lessening their value. If insects or animals have access to your shelves, that poses a problem. Insects love glue, and will eat through a book’s bindings. And mice and squirrels have learned that shredded book pages make comfy nesting material.

Cleaning Books

To remove musty or smoky smells from common books, try sealing them in a container with baking soda. Placing dryer sheets between the pages can also work. Freezing can kill mold and insects. Simple white drafting erasers work great for removing marks on interior pages, and a simple duster or soft cloth is often the best tool for cleaning exterior surfaces.

Dry, But Not Too Dry

If your books are in a damp environment, a dehumidifier can help.Although they can be useful for short-term protection, books should not be sealed in plastic bags for long, as the plastic keeps moisture in, and even brief exposure to moisture can lead to mold. If moldy books are left on the shelf, the mold may spread. One particular trouble spot to watch is beneath the dust jacket of hardcover books. Wipe away surface mold with a soft cloth dampened with Lysol or rubbing alcohol, and allow ample drying time before replacing the cover.

Keep It Loose

Books should not be crammed too tightly on the shelf. If a shelf is too tight, Gloss notes, the top of the book’s spine may rip when it is grabbed. Ideally, shelves should also be wide enough to allow space for air circulation both in front of and behind the book. 

Brattle Book Shop, 9 West St., Boston, MA . 800-447-9595, 617-542-0210, brattlebookshop.com

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