Q&A for How to Store Books

You can arrange the books based on color. You can keep your favorite books and impressive-looking books on top to make your bookshelf more appealing.

You can categorize the books and store them according to your needs. Keep the ones you use at a place you can access easily. Store the others wherever it is convenient.

I recommend using a notes app on your phone, a Google Docs spreadsheet, or a pen and paper. Keeping a list prevents you from forgetting and neglecting your books.

There are many different ways you can organize them. You might organize them by subject, so you can find a book easily. Alternatively, you can place the books you love or frequently reference out in front.

You might consider donating some of the books you're not reading. There are a lot of excellent charities that take books. Otherwise, you can store the books you don't regularly use in banker boxes to keep them in good condition.

Yes, they can.

You should use bubble wrap.

Being cold doesn't help, but humidity is the bigger problem and explains the slick texture.

You should store your books on shelves. If you don't have a bookshelf, then you can buy some at furniture stores. If you cannot do that, then stack storage containers on top of each other with the open side facing out. Use shallow ones. Then, put the lids on when you are not selecting a book.

It may not be a good idea, as you will need to look at the book titles in order to look at your books. Also, it might be hard if you have a lot of books, as you would need to take all of the books out to look at the book hiding at the bottom.

One idea is to use a desiccant. After a bit of research, it appears many places sell silica bags, which is a common desiccant in various products. I did find an article on making your own also, with various materials that might be more budget-friendly (such as salt, rice, and powdered non-dairy creamer). These are not all equally effective, so you might want to tailor your DIY bags to the ingredient that best suits your purpose and budget.

Upright, title facing the person in the pew - NOT spine-upward. This is hard on the spine and hinge and will shorten the life of the book.

The book might bend in this position if it is a paperback. If it is a hardcover, then it will probably be okay.

Get another bookshelf or put your extra books in a basement

Storing books on wooden shelves in an unheated space during a Canadian winter can be risky. The cold won't damage books, but rapid temperature changes and high humidity can cause warping, mold, or brittle pages. Store books in airtight plastic containers with silica gel packets to control humidity, line shelves with acid-free paper to provide a barrier, and avoid direct contact between books and the wooden shelves. Monitor for moisture and consider adding insulation or a dehumidifier. Regular checks will help ensure the books remain in good condition.

Yes, there are sprays to repel bugs from books, but choose ones safe for use around paper. Look for natural or non-toxic pest repellents, such as those with essential oils like cedarwood, lavender, or eucalyptus. These are effective against common book pests like silverfish and booklice. Avoid sprays with harsh chemicals, as they can damage books over time. You can also use sachets of dried herbs or cedar blocks as natural repellents. Always store books in a cool, dry place to minimize pest attraction.

Yes, camphor tablets can help repel bugs and protect books, as their strong scent deters pests like silverfish and booklice. However, use them cautiously. Place the tablets near books, not directly on them, to avoid potential staining or odor transfer. Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated, as prolonged exposure to camphor fumes can be harmful to people and pets. Replace the tablets periodically as their effectiveness diminishes over time.

To store very old, fragile books, handle them carefully and follow these steps: gently clean them with a soft brush to remove dust; use acid-free boxes or paper for wrapping to shield them from light, dust, and humidity; lay them flat if fragile to protect the spine; maintain a cool, dry environment with stable humidity (40-50%); keep them away from direct sunlight or dampness; use silica gel packets to manage moisture; and handle the books with clean, dry hands or gloves to prevent further damage.

Placing chalk with stored books can help because it absorbs moisture, reducing humidity and preventing mold, mildew, and musty odors. Replace the chalk if it becomes damp or crumbly. Silica gel packets are also effective for long-term moisture control.

Yes, but take precautions to protect them. Use a clean, dry basket and line it with a soft fabric or acid-free paper to prevent scratches or damage. Avoid placing the basket in damp areas or direct sunlight, as this can cause mold or fading. Stack books flat to prevent warping, especially if the basket has a loose weave. Check occasionally to be sure the books stay clean and dry.

Yes, covering books in acid-free paper is an excellent way to protect them, especially for long-term storage. Acid-free paper prevents damage from acids in regular paper, which can yellow and weaken book covers over time. It also acts as a barrier against dust, dirt, and light. Make sure the paper is smooth and not abrasive to avoid scratching the covers. Acid-free paper is especially helpful for valuable or fragile books.

Making bookshelves can be straightforward with the right materials and tools. Decide on the size and design based on your space and needs. Use sturdy materials like wood or metal. For a basic wooden shelf, cut planks to size for the shelves and side supports, sand the wood smooth, then assemble by attaching the shelves to the supports using screws or nails. Paint or finish the shelves for durability and appearance. If it's tall, secure the bookshelf to a wall to prevent tipping.

Keep the drawer clean and dry, and line it with acid-free paper to protect the books from dust and moisture. Arrange the books upright if space allows, or stack them flat with heavier books at the bottom. Avoid overfilling to prevent damage, add silica gel packets to control humidity, and check the drawer periodically to make sure the books remain in good condition.

This shouldn't be done unless the cupboard is ventilated. Lack of airflow promotes mold.