Worn books

[Pollaco]

I can't be the only one who uses the older one and keeps the newer volume of reference books on the shelf for show. My old worn out one has just as much info as the new one so it's the one that gets used. Less wear and tear on the new one this way. Clear scotch and white duct tape are holding it together.

 

[Gary Morgan]

I'm thinking about going into book restoration as a second career after I retire from teaching....

 

[Lubliner]

I am not normally a germophobic person but dealing with used books for ten years I sometimes would come back and after reviewing my purchase get a symptom of cold or flu. To combat this dread, many times I would wrap the book in plastic and put in the freezer for 36 hours, and maybe the microwave for 10 or 15 seconds. Am I being nutty as a holiday cookbook or was there any merit to my fears?
Lubliner.

 

[Pat Answer]

Habit from childhood: I also know the art of patching up a book! Usually because I couldn't replace them anytime soon.

@Lubliner
Bacteria are some tough hombres indeed, so your fears have merit. To be fair, the greatest germ environment in your house lies between your teeth and throat, but that also means you don't need any extras! LOL

 

[Lubliner]

Habit from childhood: I also know the art of patching up a book! Usually because I couldn't replace them anytime soon.

@Lubliner
Bacteria are some tough hombres indeed, so your fears have merit. To be fair, the greatest germ environment in your house lies between your teeth and throat, but that also means you don't need any extras! LOL

The favorite past time for youth home sick from school or adults from work was TV or books, and all I could imagine was the sick individual propped up in bed with the flu and sneezing into it. Once well, the book goes to the used book store, and some unsuspecting victim buys the book!
Lubliner.

 

[Pat Answer]

"Absolutely free with your used book purchase - this pile of used tissue…"

 

[Lubliner]

"Absolutely free with your used book purchase - this pile of used tissue…"

Ah, the lonely bookmarker.
Lubliner.

 

[Library Lady]

@Lubliner , you might find this article interesting. It's mainly about the COVID virus, but quarantining your book purchases/borrows for 24-48 hours works for most other viruses, too. It's also a good idea to practice good handwashing technique and to keep your hands away from your face, mouth, nose and eyes if you are worried about catching something by touch as opposed to quite common airborne transmission. Please read with care the portion on disinfecting books using Lysol or similar product wipes. And about zapping a book in the microwave . . . if it's a library book just DON'T! If your library (or the library that owns the book you got through interlibrary loan) has a mechanical sorter for returns, then it has an RFID chip on it somewhere. The chip has metal in it. Your microwave won't like that at all and could burn the book before you could stop the microwave and get the book out. The RFID chip isn't going to like the experience either. If you burn the book, you'll be buying the book. Damage is not handled the same way as overdue fines (or lack thereof) in most libraries.

How to Disinfect Books: A Discussion and Guide | Book Riot

Here's how to disinfect books that you check out from the library or share with other people outside of your household!

bookriot.com

 

[Woods-walker]

I'm thinking about going into book restoration as a second career after I retire from teaching....

It's a good second career. I had an antique Bible restored and the quotes I got were all over the spectrum. I picked the middle and was somewhat satisfied with the final product but don't feel I got my money's worth.

 

[huskerblitz]

I really only do this with a couple of editions that I frequently use that way I don't mess up my originals. One of those books is from 1884 so it's under glass.

 

[John Hartwell]

As a bookbinder for 30-odd years (until progressive arthritis denied me my craft), I must say that the need to "disinfect" any book I was working on never crossed my mind -- unless you count treating water damaged and moldy volumes (which I had to do on numerous occasions). Nor did I experience any ill-effects from any "contamination."

 

[Pollaco]

It's a good second career. I had an antique Bible restored and the quotes I got were all over the spectrum. I picked the middle and was somewhat satisfied with the final product but don't feel I got my money's worth.

I had a large leather-bound Bible redone 20 plus years ago and it wasn't cheap. I hope my step son is enjoying it.

 

[Pollaco]

I'm not too worried (well a little, maybe) about the germs but I got a infestation of silverfish that trailed along on somebody's books or magazines.Now they've taken up residence in my house.

 

[iron bender]

Recently patched up my dad's Lords Encyclopedia. This thing has been well read. Spent hours as a kid digging through this book. Though way better info is available today I still love the oldie's. Still got my dad's books on P-38's, Lugers, 98's, Civil War guns from the early 60's. Old Flayderman's and ancient Dixie Gun Works catalogs are worth a look

 

[major bill]

We should start a thtead about the rarest book we own or have held. I was once left in a room with Lee's personal Bible he carried during the Civil War and told not to 'play' with it.

 

[Pat Answer]

I'm not too worried (well a little, maybe) about the germs but I got a infestation of silverfish that trailed along on somebody's books or magazines.Now they've taken up residence in my house.

Those things like a good book bbq, from what I've heard...

 

[Mrs. V]

I'm thinking about going into book restoration as a second career after I retire from teaching....

Me too. All that needs is a new clear dust cover!

 

[gjpratt]

We should start a thtead about the rarest book we own or have held. I was once left in a room with Lee's personal Bible he carried during the Civil War and told not to 'play' with it.

I have a textbook from Stonewall Jackson's library with his signature on the fly leaf. I plan on donating it to the Stonewall House in Lexington at some point. That's where it belongs. I'm just a caretaker.