Questions
Questions and answers
Here you will find short answers to the questions every home library owner asks sooner or later: why pages turn yellow, whether books can be shelved two rows deep, how not to lose a book you have lent, and what to do with books you no longer need. Where a topic needs more than a short answer, we point you to a fuller page in the guide.
The most useful questions about books are asked before anything goes wrong: before a move, before a damp winter, before a favourite volume goes off to a friend and never comes back.
Storage and care
Why do the pages of old books turn yellow?
Often it is down to the paper itself: paper made by the acidic process yellows and becomes brittle over time. Light, heat and damp speed this up, so old volumes are best kept somewhere shaded and cool.
Can I keep books by a window?
It is better not to. Direct sunlight bleaches spines and covers, and temperature and humidity usually fluctuate more near a window. If there is nowhere else, draw the curtains during the sunniest hours.
How do I dust books?
Take the book off the shelf, hold the text block firmly closed and go over the top edge with a soft dry brush or cloth, working from the spine outwards. Never wipe books with a wet cloth.
A book smells musty — what should I do?
Separate it from the others and let it dry out in a dry, well-ventilated place away from radiators and sunlight. If you see stains or a powdery film on the pages, it may be mould — such a book is best shown to a specialist.
Order and cataloguing
Is it better to arrange books by subject or by author?
Both work well; it depends on how you look for books. If you remember the subject, arrange by subject; if you remember the author's name, go alphabetical. Books you read often are handy kept separately at eye level.
Can books be shelved two rows deep?
Yes, if space is tight, but the back row is quickly forgotten and gets less air. If you can't avoid it, put rarely needed books at the back and write down what is there.
Why does a home library need a catalogue?
A catalogue stops you buying the same book twice, reminds you who you lent it to and helps you find things quickly. A notebook or a simple spreadsheet with a few fields is enough.
Where do I find a book's ISBN?
It is usually printed on the back of the title page and on the back cover next to the barcode. Since 2007 the number has had 13 digits; older books may carry the 10-digit version.
Reading and swapping
My child keeps rereading the same book — is that a problem?
No, it is perfectly normal. A familiar story gives a sense of security, and with each rereading a child notices new details. Just keep other books nearby so there is something else to choose from.
Paper books or e-books?
They are not rivals. E-books are handy when travelling and for very long books; paper books are pleasant at home and good for children and illustrated books. Many families happily use both.
How do I get back a book I lent?
The easiest way is to note down in advance who you lent it to and when, and to give a gentle reminder after a while. Some people slip a bookmark with their name into the book so it is easier to recognise.
What can I do with books I no longer need?
You can give them to friends, leave them on a book-swap shelf, or offer them to a library, school or nursery. Before you do, check their condition and find out exactly what is accepted.
Related pages
- Sections
Four sections: shelves and order, book care, family reading, swapping and cataloguing.
- Guides
How to encourage a child to read without pressure: preparation, steps with illustrative examples, mistakes and a checklist. Also the article catalogue.
- Reference
Glossary: binding, spine, endpaper, edges, dust jacket, ISBN, shelf mark, bookplate, acid-free paper.
- Book care (in Russian)
A note on the old address and a guide to protecting books from damp, sunlight, dust and mould.
What we drew on
- Overview of the ISBN system (general principles)
- Library guidance on book storage (general principles)
This advice is general and meant for an ordinary home library. If a book is especially valuable, very old or already damaged, it is better to show it to a conservator or bookbinder than to attempt a repair yourself.