Starting a library

September 29, 2006

Starting a library

Friday, 29 September 2006

Reporter: Fairchild

Leather bound books - even first editions - can be an inexpensive

purchase. But beware of mould!

There's almost nothing better at the end of the day than enjoying a

good book!

People often ask me what's the best way to store books, or to start

and keep your own personal library. Here are a few tips for getting

and keeping your library in tip top shape:

Buy hard back books rather than soft back books. Good leather

covered books are probably the best books to get, but not always.

Every 6 to 12 months, rub the covers of leather bound books with oil

of lavender. or leather conditioner (the type used on leather

lounges). Other enemies of mould include a sprinkle or dab of oil of

cloves, eucalyptus oil, lemon essence and vinegar.

Let your books breathe – don't pack them in too tightly, keep them

in well ventilated spot and lightly shake them once a year to get

air into the pages. Some also leave silica (the type you find in the

shoe box when you buy a pair of shoes) on the shelves to absorb

moisture.

If you are buying a new book, when you first open it place it on a

flat surface, and open it in the middle, then work out to the covers

on both sides. This will avoid any splitting or creasing of the

spine of the book.

Buy good quality books, both in terms of how the book is made, and

the subject.

Old books are relatively inexpensive to buy, but look for ones in

good condition that are free of mould and, if possible, are first

editions. Books with coloured plates, or good black and white plates

are generally more expensive to buy than books without.

Examples of books that have held value (or increased in value) in

recent years include Family Bibles from the 19th century, collectors

guides (such as 's " Price Guides for Antiques " ) and large

volumes on specific topics (e.g. " Nineteenth Century Australian

Furniture " by Fahy, Simpson and Simpson).

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