Keeping Books "Nice"

I get all my book repair supplies from DEMCO.  There was a recent thread on lending libraries where I explain the process I go through for my books (which are circulated in my lending library) but it would give you ideas of how/what you do this.

One thing we did is teach the girls from a very young age how to handle a book properly, and that books were valuable to us as a family. We did not allow them to leave them on the floor or any place where they could be damaged, we taught them how to turn the pages so as not to rip them and with practise they got really good. We still have their childhood books and they look like new…a lot of caring for books is just basic care:

Handle books with clean hands; never carry a book by the spine, by a cover or by pages, always hold the whole book in your hand. Teach them that the binding hold the book together and to treat that binding with respect. Shelve the book and make sure there is good support on either side, or use book ends to make sure the spine is straight on the shelf. Show them how to carefully put a book back on the shelf, and don’t ram a book into a to small space. Teach them to never scribble in a book, (unless it is a workbook to write in) and not to eat and drink while handling the book. Above all explain that a book can last a lifetime if it is cared for properly and that they are treasures and blessings to have in a home. Linda

Crazy for Boys, I meant for the littles not to be eating and drinking with a book – they are not as careful as bigger children and adults….sticky fingers do not do a book good anyway….

I either use clear book tape down the spine of a paperback or cover the entire book with laminate.  And yes, Linda, there is a section in my library policies on how to properly handle a book including turning pages from the top right corner.  I don’t know how many books I’ve had to repair little tears at the bottom center of every page!!

Thank you, Linda.  It’s been a tremendous blessing.  I won’t say it’s been easy and there have been times of discouragement but I know this is what God has given me to do with these books.  It looks like  God is placing it in the hearts of many others as well.  Hopefully He’ll make a way for you to share your books and knowledge.