1. The covers of some of my favourite books (paperback) at home have separated from the book blocks as the glue along the spine has lost its effect. How can I fix this?
We can fix these books in a simple way using scissors, gauze and white glue. Firstly, thoroughly scrape the residual glue off the spine. Cut out a piece of gauze around the same size as the spine, stick the piece of gauze to the spine with white glue, and reattach the cover when the glue is dry. Press the book with heavy objects for fastening purposes. The process is complete when the glue is totally dry.
2. How can we quickly save the books which are already suffering from mildew due to humid weather?
For books only suffering from moisture problems, simply dry them in a well-ventilated place. Books clearly mildewed should never be wiped with a cloth dipped in alcohol or bleaching water, but first dried in a well-ventilated place after which the mildew can be gently dusted off with a small brush. Books with mildew stains must be handled by professional repairers.
3. How can we prevent books from turning yellow?
It is inevitable that books will turn yellow due to the organic nature of paper. However, we can develop habits of proper book storage to slow down the yellowing process. First of all, store books away from sunshine, light and high temperatures; keep them in a dry environment and retrieve them frequently for reading. This helps us not only to examine their condition but also to prevent insects.
