CARE OF BOOKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22955, 5 February 1938, Page 26

CARE OF BOOKS

ATTRACTIVE LIBRARIES APPEARANCE OF SHELVES CORRECT PACKING METHODS Those people who are lucky eMugb to receive 'presents of hooks will feel H new interest in their library, whether smaD or >large. A few carefully-chosen volumes neatlyarranged in shelves or on a table lend dignity and friendliness to a room. "When entering a strange house it !s gratifjring to see rows of well-kept books and often the contents of a library give a vivid insight into: the character of its owner. The wise book-owner keeps his books as far as possible in glass cabinets, which protect them from dust and insects, but whatever the nature of the shelves, each volume should be taken down separately and dusted from time to time; The inside of the case should also be thoroughly cleaned with an insect spray to eliminate any danger of silverfish, which can soon cause havoc among books. - Tidy Shelves The appearance of your shelves can be completely ruined if they are not kept tidy and free from all those odds and ends which tend to accumulate on any available space. If ybu have insufficient books to fill them, blank spaces arc infinitely preferable to something which detracts from their appearance. The books should be packed loosely enough to be easily accessible, so that their bindings are not damaged, and [ a more attractive effect is obtained if j they are arranged according to some definite scheme. Matching volumes should be placed together and graded according to size, with the tall ones at the outside and the smaller ones in the centre. An attractive pair of book-end 3, vt chosen carefully to harmonise with the room, are useful to keep neatly those . books which are being read by mem- ' V Vers of the family, and are so liable ' to be left lying about on chairs and | .tables. |! \ x Covers lor Books During its actual use a book is subjected to much greater strain than at any other time, and it is then that greatest care should be taken of it. - 5, Never start reading a book without Vst putting on a strong protective wLich helps to keep it clean and PAyents the edges from becoming Alaen, opening a now book for the particular care should be taken\pla<:e it on a flat surface and ®P en - <kr>h flap of the cover separately. "hen\A|. n down a few leaves alternately Vo;m each side until it is t 6 ce atre. This prevents any bind' 6 " 1 S %i Q might split the