CARE OF THE BOOKCASE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22029, 8 February 1935, Page 3

CARE OF THE BOOKCASE

.An attractive bookcase adds to the charm and dignity of any room, for books have such a friendly air and extend a warm welcome to everyone. They are friends to all and as such should be treated with the utmost respect and care. The bookcase often becomes a convenient place for odds and ends, which, accumulate so rapidly and give a look of untidiness to the room. Even if the shelves are not quite full, it is much better to have large spaces than try to fill them with useless oddments which detract largely from the appearance of the books.

it is wise to have a glassed-in case which ke6ps' dust and insects from your books, but in any case they should be taken down, and dusted periodically, and the inside, of the case sprayed with an insect spray. ' . The arrangement of the books, too, plays an important part in their general appearance. Matching volumes should be placed side by' side, and the books graded:according to size. Special attention must be paid to colour arrangement if a harmonious effect is to be obtained. In rooms where you have no bookcase an attractive pair of bookends is useful to keep tidily books you are using, and'a few of the latest publications about your reception rooms often helps. materially in entertaining a strange guest. . . Of course, the most strenuous time in the life of a book is when it is in use arid it' is then that the greatest care must be taken. Never turn down the corners of a book or put too much strain on the binding. Always remember to slip a paper or linen cover over the book when in use, which keeps it clean and prevents the edges from becoming worn.' New books should be opened very carefully for the first time. Place the back of the book on a flat surface and open each cover 111 turn, holding the leaves of the book upright, then turn down a few leaves from the back and front alternative y until the book is open. approximately at the middle. This gradual process prevents the binding from splitting.