One of the responsibilities I have at the Wasilla Public Library is the mending of the circulating books, videos and other media. The impression I have is that the mending of books is not one of the jobs at the library that holds “favored nation status”. I happen to love it. There is something about taking some poor, well used book into my hands and making it all shiny and ready for circulation again. Putting those mended books on the shelf is a highlight of my day.
This post is the first in a mini-series of how book mending works. You need to know that book mending and book conservation are as much art as they are science and I am but a mere novice at this. Folks have dedicated their lives to making old books new. It is a complicated and demanding endeavor to be sure.
This time we’ll take a look at some of the common tools of the trade.
A sharp exatco-type knife is a must for cutting pages, scissors for book covers a “bone” to press tapes and other coverings and to make crisp folds, brushes to spread glue and a straight-edge so cut edges are, umm, straight.
A very wide variety of tape is imperative
Various binder clips to hold a freshly glued book closed tightly
Wooden skewers for binding creases and to spread binding glue
Wax paper and heavy duty fabric tape for binding and covering
Other assorted tools to get the job done
Hmmm, a striking resemblance? Hehe. Magic Eraser for getting rid of smudges and prints
Stay tuned for next week’s post. I’ll go through a standard repair from start to finish.
Ha — Great last photo! This is one of those library responsibilities you never think about — that the books need mending! Thanks for visiting my blog. I’m glad you did, because it led me to yours!
Hey Alexis,
Welcome, and I’m glad you stopped on by. One of the great things about this whole blogging thing is connecting with folks. Thanks!
George
Awesome! This is the finest thing a person could do with free time. I love that you have this dedication and skill and that you are saving all the poor tired books that have served so many so nobly for so long.
Keep up the good work!
Clarisa
.-= Clarisa Brown´s last blog ..The Meaning of Life =-.
Hi Clarisa,
Thank you so much! It really is very rewarding to see those poor things show up all battered and bruised and then be able to give them new life.
Cheers!
George
Pingback: Tweets that mention Making Amends - It's All About The Books | Tumblemoose Writer -- Topsy.com
This is awesome information, George! I can’t wait to read more about this. I love that you enjoy making old, worn books all shiny and nice again.
And… that Mr. Clean pic makes me smile. I never thought about it until you put the two photos together like that – there’s a resemblance!
.-= Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl´s last blog ..Klamath Lake Blue-Green Algae (E3 Live) Review =-.
Interesting stuff George. I found this website last week, it provides instructions on how to make and bind your own handmade book – awesome!
.-= Iain Broome´s last blog ..You should watch this video =-.
Oops, here’s the link to the start of the tutorial: http://davethedesigner.net/booktut/index.html
.-= Iain Broome´s last blog ..You should watch this video =-.
Iain,
Neat stuff, for sure!
Tomorrow I’ll post part two where I take a damaged book throgh the entire process of mending.
Cheers!
George
Pingback: The Book Mender - Part 2 | Tumblemoose Writer
I’m so glad to see you share your skill on book mending. I’ve been volunteering at the Kids’ school mending books and realized how huge the problem is as the books are falling apart in their hands and there is so little budget. If I don’t fix them they just don’t have it anymore. I’m trying to put together a non-profit to help as the problem is huge. Soliciting donations and help to get the books fixed. May I point parents to your blog? You explain these simple fixes very well.
Thank you
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Feel free to send anyone this way and let them know if they email me I’ll be happy to answer any specific questions.
Good on you for the volunteering and taking care of the kids books. By nature of their audience alone, they take a lot of wear and tear. At the Wasilla Library, I’d say about 70% of the books that need mending are from the Juve collection.
If I can help in any way then please let me know.
George