How to take care of your books - a book lover's guide

Discover how to preserve your books’ beauty, scent, and soul for years to come. Practical tips for every collector - from storage and maintenance to professional conservation.

How to take care of your books - a book lover's guide

Introduction

Books are not just carriers of content – they are objects with a soul: paper, covers, leather, the scent of pages – all contribute to the joy of reading. When building a personal library, we select beautiful editions, first editions, leather-bound books – and we want them to last, pleasing both the eye and the intellect. To achieve this, they need proper care. This doesn’t mean becoming a slave to your books – they are meant to bring joy – but a few good practices can make a big difference.

Storage Conditions – Home or Study Library

Ideally, your beautiful books are stored in a separate room – a home library or designated section of a room – where temperature, humidity, and light are controlled.

• Temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F), humidity: 40–50%

• Avoid sunlight – UV light fades and damages covers

• Don’t place shelves above radiators or in damp areas

• Store books upright, without squeezing them too tightly

• For valuable volumes – use acid-free boxes or protective cases

If you don’t have a separate home library – that’s fine. Common sense is enough: books should not stand in a damp corner or under harsh light.

Book Maintenance

• Regularly remove dust with a soft brush or microfiber cloth

• Always wash and dry your hands before reading

• Turn pages gently; don’t force the book open

• Store large volumes horizontally

• Give books some space – air must circulate

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Leather-Bound Books – Special Care

If you have leather-bound books, remember that leather is a living material that ages, dries, and needs some care.

• Leather reacts to light and humidity – protect it from excess of either

• Remove dust with a soft brush or dry cloth

• If the leather seems dry, apply a small amount of natural product – ideally beeswax or lanolin-based balm

• Test any product on a small area first

• Do not use furniture waxes or strong detergents

• Pay special attention to the spine – this is where leather often cracks

When to Seek a Professional

Sometimes a book needs more than cleaning:

• The spine is cracking, the block is detaching

• Signs of mold or paper damage are visible

• The book is particularly valuable, e.g., a first edition

• Paper is crumbling, cover is losing shape

In these cases, it’s better to hand it over to a specialist. A professional conservator will assess the condition, select appropriate treatments, and restore the book while preserving its original character. We are exactly such specialists – with years of experience and a passion for restoring books to their former glory.

Building and Enjoying Your Library

Building a personal library is a process – selecting books, paying attention to editions, covers, and content.

• Books are meant to bring joy – not to be museum pieces

• The scent of old paper and leather is part of their charm

• Occasionally browse your shelves, touch the books, flip through a few pages – let them “breathe”

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Conclusion

A home library is not just furniture – it’s a space where we nurture memories, knowledge, and beauty. Books, especially leather-bound editions, require attention – but they also give something extraordinary in return. Care for them with devotion, but also with joy. And if they need professional help – we are here to assist.