Rare books guide

How to care for old books

Here is how to care for old books so they last. Most damage comes from heat, damp, light and careless handling, and nearly all of it can be prevented. This advice follows the Library of Congress preservation guides.

An old library room with tall wooden bookcases full of leather-bound books — CC0 image via Wikimedia Commons. Creator: Michael D Beckwith. All image credits.

Keep them cool, dry and steady

The Library of Congress says a cool environment, 70°F (21°C) or below, with a relative humidity of 30 to 55 percent, is safe for most books. Steady conditions matter as much as the numbers: avoid big swings in temperature and humidity.

Do not store valuable books in basements, attics or garages. These places are poorly insulated, swing between hot and cold, and carry a higher risk of leaks and floods. Keep books away from radiators, heating vents and outside walls.

Keep light low

Light fades spines and weakens paper. Books should get as little light as possible, and ideally no direct or strong light. Use curtains or blinds, keep shelves out of direct sun, and use boxes for your most precious books.

Shelve them the right way

Stand books upright, with bookends so they do not lean. Leaning books warp over time.
Shelve books of similar size together, so each cover is supported by its neighbours.
Lay very large books flat.
Never store a book with its spine facing up.
Use flat, solid shelves with no nails or splinters.
Keep shelves clean: dust attracts pests and holds moisture, which can lead to mould.

Handle with care

Wash and dry your hands, without lotion, before you handle old books. The Library of Congress advises against gloves for books, because they make pages harder to turn safely.
To take a book off the shelf, push in the books on either side and grip the middle of the spine. Never pull it out by the top of the spine.
Do not force an old book to open flat. Support the covers, for example with a folded towel or book cradle.

Repairs: what not to do

Do not use self-stick tape on a book, even tape sold as archival. It yellows, leaves stains and is hard to remove. Avoid household glue too.

For a book of real value, damage that is getting worse, or a book you use often, talk to a book conservator. For a book of personal value with small damage, a simple fix is to put it in a protective box and improve how it is stored. For long-term storage, use boxes that are acid-free and lignin-free.

Common problems

Problem	What it is	What to do
Foxing	Small reddish-brown spots on paper, common in books from the 1800s	Keep the book cool and dry so it does not spread. Leave removal to a conservator.
Mould	Fuzzy or powdery growth, often with a musty smell	Separate the book from others. Wet books should be air-dried right away; if that is not possible within two days, freeze them. Get expert help for valuable items.
Faded spine	Colour lost to light, called sunned	Move books out of the light. Fading cannot be reversed.
Leaning spine	A spine that slants, called cocked	Shelve upright with support.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I wear white gloves to handle old books?

Usually no. The Library of Congress recommends freshly washed, dry hands without lotion, because gloves reduce your sense of touch and can catch on pages.

What humidity is best for old books?

The Library of Congress says relatively dry air, 30 to 55 percent relative humidity, at 70°F or below is safe for most books. Avoid sudden changes.

Can I fix a torn page with tape?

No. Self-stick tape damages paper over time, even tape labelled archival. Leave the tear, or ask a conservator about a proper repair.

What are the brown spots in old books?

They are called foxing: reddish-brown spots on old paper. Cool, dry storage helps stop them from getting worse.

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Published 2026-10-27. Last checked 2026-10-27.