Storing Antique and Rare Books


Antique and rare books are prized possessions for many collectors and book enthusiasts. However, these books are often fragile and require special care to preserve their value and condition. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, it's important to know how to properly care for and store your rare books. In this guide, we'll share some tips and guidelines for rare book care and storage, to help you maintain the value and condition of your antique books.

Storage Guidelines

When storing antique books, it's important to protect them from potential damage caused by rust, mildew, moisture, and dust. To ensure their longevity, keep them well-ventilated and properly separated, with enough space between each book. Ideally, store them in a place with low light, low humidity, even temperatures (between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit), and with little to no moisture. Avoid storing them directly against an outdoor wall, where dampness may creep in. It's also a good idea to cover all windows with adequate blinds or shades to maintain an even temperature. Basements, attics, and other home storage areas are not recommended for antique book storage, as they are susceptible to mold, mildew, flooding, and rot.

Book Arrangement

A useful tip for arranging books is to place them together by size. Doing so allows them to stay together better and avoid toppling over. It's also important to place wider books (more than 3 inches wide) or taller books (more than 18 inches tall) in a flat position to prevent them from falling. When moving or handling books, avoid pulling them out by the spine, as this can cause damage to rare books. Instead, handle them carefully and use bookends to support them while on display.

Storage Materials

The most fragile and rare books should be kept in specialty storage cases that are acid-free. Acid-free boxes, folders, and sleeves are ideal for protecting books from dust, light, and moisture. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and promote mold growth. Leather-bound books require special attention and should be stored away from light, heat, and moisture. Avoid storing them in humid environments, as they can become stiff, warped, and discolored.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep antique books clean and well-maintained, use a soft-bristled brush or a lint roller to gently remove dust and debris. Avoid using water, soap, or other cleaning solutions, as they can damage book bindings and pages. If books become wet, blot them gently with a clean cloth and allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Use a book repair specialist to fix any damage, such as torn pages or broken spines.

Antique books are valuable investments that require proper care and storage to maintain their condition and value. By following these guidelines for rare book care and storage, you can ensure that your books will remain in excellent condition for years to come. Remember to handle them with care, use proper storage materials, and keep them well-ventilated and away from moisture and light.

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful for rare book collectors:

  1. Rare Book School: This organization offers classes and seminars on the history, care, and handling of rare books. They have courses for beginners as well as more advanced collectors.
  2. Preservation Resources: This website provides a range of archival supplies for the preservation and conservation of rare books. They offer items such as acid-free boxes and folders, book covers, and humidity control products.
  3. American Institute for Conservation: The AIC is a professional organization for conservators and preservationists. Their website includes a directory of conservators who specialize in rare books and other paper artifacts.
  4. Library of Congress Preservation Directorate: The Library of Congress offers a range of resources on the preservation of books, including guidelines for handling and storage, information on bookbinding, and a list of conservation suppliers.
  5. Rare Books and Manuscripts Section: This section of the Association of College and Research Libraries provides resources and support for librarians and archivists who work with rare books and manuscripts. Their website includes information on preservation and conservation, cataloging, and collection development.
  6. Antique Books Value Lookup: This website allows you to search for the value of antique and rare books based on their author, title, and condition. It can be a helpful resource for determining the value of your collection.

The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.