How to Repair a Vintage Paperback | Book Repair and Care 101

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

DISCLAIMER: If you have particularly valuable, collectible, or sentimental books, I highly recommend taking them to a professional bookbinder for restoration rather than attempting any of these techniques yourself. Not every technique will be appropriate for every book, and I am not an expert in book conservation or restoration, although I do use these techniques myself frequently and have been taught by people with decades of experience in the secondhand book industry. These tutorials are aimed at helping out with average books which aren’t worth the cost of being taken to a specialist, and as such, I hope you find them useful. That said, by all means check out the comments for others’ results, experience, and criticism before deciding whether to try a repair technique yourself. If you like my content and would like to support me with a small tip, please use this link (1% of all donations are being donated to help the environment): ko-fi.com/squirrellynerdyjess

[@fritz1143]

I have a poetry book from 1930 and it's pretty beat up...i hope it could shine again!!

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Good luck! Let me know how it goes. 🤓

[@robertphillips93]

Very good summary of methods and principles! Only one other thing to keep an eye out for -- if the cover needs to be reglued to the first page, is the glue line between the next pages also weak? Sometimes it's necessary to glue several together in a graduated manner to avoid making (relatively) weak places . . . and scrap paper guard strips can help in applying glue in a controlled uniform fashion.

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Yes, indeed! I cover (or will cover) more of those elements in other repair videos. A few are out now, with more to come!

[@mudaralchaar5855]

you are like the books guarding angel

[@Mylily121]

Thank you Jess! I have a parents prayer book I’ve been praying over our daughter with for 18 yrs. It is falling apart, I think I can get it back with your video help! Thank you again!

[@user-xi8je4js5r]

What a great video, I can tell that you had the viewer's experience in mind. Everything was shown at the most informative angles. I also had a question. I repaired a paperback for the first time a few weeks ago and found it to be a fun activity. So I was wondering if you happen to know any ways of acquiring more old books to fix up?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Thank you for watching and for your kind feedback. I do have more repair videos coming up, but my husband and I have just moved house, so we need a bit of time to settle in first. Let me know if you have any specific questions or requests! Regarding your question, ask your local secondhand bookshops or charity shops if they have any books not fit for selling that you can have for free or for a small donation. They often have to send books to recycling because of their condition, so you’d be rescuing them!

[@ChrisShadowens]

This was exactly the help I was looking for. I pick up a lot of used paperbacks online that come with spine stickers that, despite my best and careful efforts, don't always come free without damaging the spines of the books. Thanks to you I now know the type of glue I can use and some techniques to help repair some of the damage caused. Thanks!

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

I’m working on a video for how to remove stickers and labels!

[@ChrisShadowens]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess That would be brilliant! Especially from old paperback spines would be especially helpful. I've assembled myself a kit with 99% isopropyl alcohol, some GooGone, lighter fluid, razor blades, a hair dryer, and a small iron...but it's still hit-or-miss with my success rate. All helpful tips are welcomed!

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

@@ChrisShadowens Much simpler solution, trust me.

[@ChrisShadowens]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess Awesome, subbing now so I don't miss it!

[@hyperguyver2]

I know for my paperbacks I use a variety of methods to repair and reinforce my damaged books. I'll typically use glue or hinge tape to fix covers that have completely fallen off or close to it, as well as clear contact paper to keep the cover together since it will now has a thin layer of plastic over it to protect it from pretty much everything.

[@carnegiexl]

I have a copy of LOTR that has been read over 15 times and it's starting to fall apart. I really love the feel of the paper though, so thank you for helping me save it! Really appreciate this video!

[@TechMechMen]

I like how she calls herself a “squirrel” but emerges from the shadow of a tree sounding like Mickey Mouse on crack. All jokes aside, very informative video!

[@TomHaroldArt]

Thank you for making such a detailed and simple video showing these techniques!

[@georgeshelton6281]

Thanks for showing me this. It's how to restore books.

[@marnie185]

i started collecting paperbacks last year. I was wondering if the paper used will last for years. I mean I want to read the same exact book i had in my teenage years when im 80.

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

They should do, certainly. To best protect your books, keep them somewhere cool and dry. Also keep them away from direct sunlight to protect the covers from fading. But generally, your books will last. 🤓

[@marnie185]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess they are from HarperCollins, the paper isn't the best quality, i still kinda worry about it 😔

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

@@marnie185 Well, as with anything one would want to preserve, handle with care. I’ll have more repair videos coming out soon (after I move house) in case anything does happen and you’d like to fix it!

[@tonytygrrHI]

I enjoyed this brief yet informative tutorial! Greetings from Hawaii!

[@garabeanglia532]

Thanks for the video, very helpful! Our bunny helped herself to the spines of many of our books. books safely stored on higher shelves now, but wondering how to repair the spines. These are paper backs and some hard paper backs... all I can see online requires lots of equipment and skill. any ideas please?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Hi! Thanks for watching! It depends on what specifically needs fixing on the spines, but I do have a repair video coming up soon regarding cloth spines for hardbacks. Paperback spines can be fixed with PVA glue in a manner similar to what’s in this video.

[@californiakayaker]

Beautiful video. Just what I was looking for. I'm trying to preserve a huge paperback about antenna's. Its not particularly old, just has info I really need. As a paperback, its far to large for its binding. So, its broken in half. I'll build the press, easy enough. Is "elmers glue" the right type ?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

californiakayaker N6GRG Thanks for watching! Yep, standard Elmer’s glue will do. I’ve got another paperback-related repair coming out soon that may or may not be of additional help, too.

[@californiakayaker]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess I watched one being leather bound, very beautiful . But, I doubt I'll go to that trouble.

[@joshwelbaum]

Thank you!

[@undersatan5685]

Thank you for this video. I browse charity shops on the regular, and it always depresses when I see books that look they've been used as a chew toy.

[@georgeshelton6281]

Thank you for showing me how to restore books.

[@nanamartynova6833]

🙌great job! you're book nerd indeed but man, what a great job! 🤗😉

[@ranakonswa2169]

You channel is ART

[@Oldmaninthestream]

Thanks greatly appreciate you helping me restore my book.

[@sunilkumarmishra8973]

Thank you so much ma'am, it's very helpful and so convenient for who want to fix our books

[@anyaroz173]

this is a great video! I have a couple old books I want to repair, is it a different method for a hardcover book? could you make a video about a hardcover book? I found a few about leather bindings, but the books I want to repair are not leather bound, just hardcover books

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

I’ve got various videos about hardcovers (with more to come) on my channel! It depends what sort of repair work you need. Similar techniques in any case.

[@tanvirkhan9038]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful work .

[@MisterSpigot95]

Excellent, thanks. I have a lot of books I need to do this to. But is there a way to prevent them deteriorating in the first place? Perhaps moisten (or oil) the spines occasionally? It's really disheartening to see all my childhood (and young adulthood) books falling apart. I don't want to box them up in the loft (which I'm sure would help), since I still like to see them on the shelf.

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

I have plans to do a “How to Care for Your Books” video, but basically keeping them out of direct sunlight and if possible in a cool, low-humidity environment are the best things to do without getting crazy about conservation. Definitely don’t moisten or oil them, unless you’re talking about leather books, which should be polished from time to time.

[@MisterSpigot95]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess Thank you very much for the prompt advice.

[@brirzet]

Thanks!! I have so many books that need repairing

[@candyflair7946]

I need to review every thing I learned over 30 years ago. I have a paper back with a chunk out of the pack and I would like to fill it in. What paper can I use.

[@JSTNtheWZRD]

This has been perfect, since many paperbacks are cheaply made now right out the gate - But what glue to use that is a bit stronger? Without the "oil leakage" like say with gorilla or superglue - what is a good industrial paperback repair glue???? Thanks Squirrels - go nuts 🐿 love the hedgehog 🦔

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Aw thanks! There are actual “bookbinding glues” out there if you want to give them a try, but I really do just use PVA glue like I did in this video for everything. You just want to be careful with other glues that they won’t harm your books further over time by discolouring or degrading them; always go for something non-toxic and acid-free. Epoxy glue might work as well, just make sure it’s flexible enough for the book to be able to open and close without cracking.

[@JSTNtheWZRD]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess I will use this info with great pride. Thank you - JSTN from Chicago

[@jasonkeller5732]

I got a paperback watch manual in the mail the the USPS decided to kneel on I think. Unfortunately the spine which is about 3/8” thick and 5” tall was bent about 2” from the bottom and the paper tore from the spine. Any suggestions how to fix this? Most videos talk about vertical spine repair not horizontal. Thanks!

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

@@jasonkeller5732 Hi there! It’s probably easier if I can see it. Feel free to send me photos at [e-mail].

[@dougr.2398]

I have paperbacks in which the pages are falling out, and others for which the spinal glue has cracked

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

I’ve got a video planned to help with both of those!

[@Maria-sg3zn]

Her :pretty easy to fix Me: ya all that's almost falling apart

[@doorran]

I have many really badly warped paperbacks... They were stored in a box for years .. long story. but I'm having trouble getting the bends out of these. I've used cinder blocks on my books for months with no luck. is there anything more I can do or should I just enjoy my warped books?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

I’m sorry to hear that. Sometimes books will be warped beyond repair. Sounds like that might be the case with yours sadly.

[@carloszamora3676]

I have a softcover where the pages are falling out. How do you repair and/or remind it?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Could you send me some photos? It can depend on the book. [e-mail]

[@heartpng]

thanks for this!

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Shannon M Thanks for watching!

[@matthewweng8483]

I’d like to see a video on how to restore the cover of a hard bound which is full color.

[@amyrichardson6419]

great video thanks!

[@swapnodeeppayra2647]

The video was great and helpful👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@pauldelapena456]

Hi! Love your vid, how do you repair the old books with bottom part of the pages juat tearing up everywhere. I cant just tape the whole bottom of each page in the entire book or keep taping them up like a whack-a-mole. Do you know any Preventive means that strengthen the pages to pevent more tears from showing up.

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

That's rough. I know what you mean when the pages become extremely fragile. Unfortunately, I don't know of any means of preventing them from tearing aside from simply delicate handling. As far as repairing the tears, my go-to archival tape is Filmoplast's. I have also repaired tears with PVA glue instead of tape: put a thin dab of glue along the torn edge, then wrap a bit of plastic film around either side of the page and press the book overnight. You can glue as many tears as you need in this way, but the danger is how dark the glue may stain depending on the type of paper, so trying to use the minimum glue necessary. Sorry I can't be of more help!

[@RavensHammer00]

My grandmother had a book that was very fragile like you mentioned. She took an apple, cut a few slices of it, and placed them with the book in a plastic bag. You could use a Ziploc bag. It made it so you could turn the pages without them tearing. I don't know how or why it worked, but it did. I'm not sure how long it took, but I would try a week, and perhaps replace the apple slices every few days. If not a week, try a month. Hope this helps.

[@Scubadog_]

@@RavensHammer00 I'm guessing it changed the moisture level, but leaving them that long would risk developing mold in the book.

[@benbander4838]

I do have a book that needs repair, that is giving me some ideas but still not sure how to proceed. thx for your video :-)

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Thanks for watching! What needs repairing on your book? I have more repair tutorials coming once my new library room is finished!

[@brettfox4915]

Is there a way to make a paperback book look new by getting rid of creasing or folds in the cover? Thanks

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

No, not really I’m afraid

[@alexeimendez5949]

Hi, I just came across your video on how to repair your soft cover books and I had a question, how do you repair just the cover of the book? As in, if I open the cover page 2 to 3 more times it’s going to come off! It is one of my favorite books and I just want to try to maintain it so I can keep using it. I’ve seen people use tape to put it back together and I think that is not the best way to do it and I was wondering if you had another solution for me?!

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Hi there! Stay away from tape if possible, but if you absolutely need to look for archival tape. What I would do first, however, is run a thin strip of PVA glue in the hinge between the cover and the first page and press it just like in this video. Let me know how it goes!

[@alexeimendez5949]

Hi again, it worked !!! I’m still not 100% that I can open and close it a bunch of times (because I made the repair) but it stuck together!! I feel I should glue it one more time. I wanted to thank you and let you know I really appreciate the help you gave and these videos that you’re making!

[@rickychen2018]

Hi, how do I fix a front cover that has been ripped off from the spine? It's also a vintage paperback.

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Some PVA glue should do it! Just do a thin line of glue where it tore away. Once glued, put a strip of plastic film or wax paper around the spine covering the glued part and then place in a press or under heavy books and leave for at least 20 min. The plastic or wax paper will protect other surfaces from the glue. Good luck!

[@ericwinnert]

I have a vintage paperback where half of the book has come unstuck and they are now single pages. How do I stick it back together?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Eric Winnert That will be my next video, actually! I’m in the midst of editing it, so it should be up soon. Look out for “perfect binding.”

[@ericwinnert]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess Cool, i'll catch up on your other book care 101 videos in the mean time. Also, your erasure technique. I noticed you said a soft rubber. I've been using a standard school type rubber. And to be frank its rubbing the book itself away. The areas erased are coming up bright and lighter than the rest of the page. I buy books from charity shops/thrift stores, hence them being a bit worse for wear. What rubber is best for getting rid of students' pencilled annotations?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Eric Winnert I don’t necessarily go for a specific brand, but I tend to go for erasers that have a soft feeling and have some flex. The ones I use tend to be white as well, but that may be coincidence. I believe the one I’ve been using recently is the Staedtler 526 50 Mars Plastic, White Eraser. In any case, the general thing to keep in mind is that the more fragile the paper seems, the gentler and more patient one must be.

[@ericwinnert]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess Thanks for that. And yes, be patient.

[@zkinak2107]

I live in a dry place so I oftentimes find that some of my paperback book covers lose moisture, causing the book covers to become uneven. Can a humidifier correct this problem?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

I grew up in Nevada, so I understand dry places! Not sure what you mean by the covers becoming uneven, though. I don’t think I’d recommend a humidifier, though, as humidity causes its own problems to books.

[@zkinak2107]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess well some of my front book covers for my paperbacks have some warps on the left side of the covers. When I run my hand over the cover, the cover feels wavy. Is there anything that can be done to re smooth the front cover like new? Also thanks for responding, I appreciate it😄

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

@@zkinak2107 Try pressing the book under a stack of heavy books or between two boards with some ratchet clamps and leaving it pressed straight overnight. It won’t necessarily help, but it’s the first thing I’d try. If you want to email me a photo or two, I can see if there’s anything else I can think of: [e-mail]

[@zkinak2107]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess I’ll be sure to, thanks for the help!

[@nizecup]

omg, thank you so much for this video.

[@earththeaellorin6709]

Can I ask how to get rid of creases or folds in the covers (paperback)? Coz its been bothering me for a while

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Ooh, unfortunately there’s not much you can do there. With careful reverse folding and/or pressing a book under some heavy books while flattened out overnight, you can maybe get the shape back to normal, but the creases will still visually be there.

[@dukerobinson5421]

helpful. thanks! 🙂

[@erzascarlet47]

Hi there.. I have a new paperback cover book with. Crimped edge. That's bothering me a lot. How do I fix it?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Try leaving it under a stack of heavy books overnight and see if that helps first. Unfortunately, it may never perfectly straighten out, but that might help.

[@erzascarlet47]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess thanks a lot. Yea I've kept it under 2 encyclopedias. I wish I could show you the image of the book corner.

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

@@erzascarlet47 My instagram is in the description.

[@erzascarlet47]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess thankyou

[@erzascarlet47]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess yea sent you a dm :)

[@elpunk4463]

any tips to fix a paperback cover that has a plastic layer coming off?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Hmm… Could you email some photos to me? [e-mail]

[@sisi9968]

I paid the store to bookbind my thesis (hardbound) but when i got it i saw a dirt in title page , i suddenly think if i can cut it and replace a new title page and stick it in the bookbind to be attached ? Is it appropriate?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

It’s possible. I’d have to see the binding to know for sure.

[@sisi9968]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess thanks for replying, how can i send u a video of my thesis hardbookbind?

[@sisi9968]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess the title page that has a dirt is the (page i) ma'am . Can i cut it carefully and attach the new printed one using a glue and brush like what you are doing ma'am? Is it appropriate?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

@@sisi9968 I don’t see why not. I would recommend cutting with a razor blade or Xacto knife against a ruler for the straightest edge. Just do so very lightly in many passes so as not to accidentally cut into the pages beneath.

[@sisi9968]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess thank you

[@tmmisunderstood]

cutee channel it is! Thank you my searching skill

[@viraajsingh8287]

Hello. How do I paste back torn front cover?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Email me some photos! [e-mail]

[@VaniPlaysRoblox]

I know this is a old video but. My novels have some bends on its cover, If you saw My books. They have these wired bends INFRONT of their cover. And on their sides they have a lot of bends. I don’t want that to happen. Is there a way you can reduce it please?.

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

I’d have to see photos I think, but it sounds unlikely you’d be able to fix them entirely. I’m not 100% sure what you’re describing, though.

[@VaniPlaysRoblox]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess I’m discribing the covers of My books. They are really bent. But it’s okay if you don’t have any ideas on how to fix them.

[@VaniPlaysRoblox]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess I have this problem where My paperbacks have a really bent cracked spine. And I fear that in a year or two. It will completely break My book. I need to find a way to stop it. I’ve been worrying and crying about it for weeks.

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

@@VaniPlaysRoblox Well, if the spine does completely crack, you can repair it in a similar way with PVA glue and a press/pressure. If you want to protect them, there are some adhesive films you can get, like ones libraries use, but make sure they're archival quality and designed for books.

[@VaniPlaysRoblox]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess Thank you.

[@muhammadadib3387]

Hi, can i know how i can erase or remove ballpoint ink from my book?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Muhammad Adib Great question! It depends on the type of paper in determining whether or not it’s possible, but it all comes down to getting the correct eraser. I have gotten out a lot of ballpoint ink from books, though, so there are certainly ways of doing it. I’ll do a video on that shortly!

[@muhammadadib3387]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess thanks for the idea. Hopefully you can make a video about it sooner. Gonna wait for it😁

[@benmaynard3059]

Hey great video 👍

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Thank you!

[@axmad.y]

Thank you 😆👍🏼

[@adriansandry2783]

Very helpful.

[@BearsStitch]

How would you repair the edges of a hard cover chewed on

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Ooh, not sure to be honest. That sounds like a more extensive rebinding job. Not sure there’s an easy repair for that. It would also depend on where the damage is exactly.

[@BearsStitch]

Spine and edges mainly

[@elhajjzafeermuhammad1530]

Thanks Babygirl 👍🏿👍🏿

[@xuxlabarks]

i just found a wholesome channel uwu

[@Democraps_are_narrow-minded]

Can u do a video on how to lighten foxing?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Great question, but I’m afraid there’s no easy way of treating foxing that I’m aware of. Only a professional conservator should attempt it, given the chemicals involved, and I doubt anyone would care to much unless the book is excessively rare. I could do one on how to try to prevent foxing, if that’s helpful?

[@Democraps_are_narrow-minded]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess video on preventing further foxing is good.

[@Democraps_are_narrow-minded]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess also, we need a video on how to remove very sticky stubborn scotch tape which when removed, it would tear part of the book.

[@Democraps_are_narrow-minded]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess wat is your email? I thought of sharing before and after pictures of sanding that lightens foxing by 40 to 55%

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

@@Democraps_are_narrow-minded That I can do regarding removing tape! I actually have that on my to do list. :) As far as sanding, yes that can help, but I wouldn’t want to suggest it as an all around fix because it really depends on the having the right sort of paper, and it has a higher risk of damaging the book than other repair work I’m suggesting. I will make a note to mention it in a prevention video, though.

[@pseudopuppy160]

Is it weird that I’d love to do your job...? 🥰🤓📚

[@fluffy-hellhound]

Would Elmer's glue be good enough?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

Yep! Elmer’s School Glue is PVA glue. :)

[@pokeliegaming443]

@@SquirrellyNerdyJess so any white glue works?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

@@pokeliegaming443 Not necessarily. The main thing you want to look for is that it’s a water-based glue.

[@georgeshelton6281]

I wish companies would print paperback books on better quality paper. Something that doesn't mold or mildew. Make sure the book pages don't tarnish. Stay as good as new. The same thing goes with old newspapers. 📰

[@tardwrangler]

I'd rather have any writings not erased but I guess I'm in the minority

[@mike_the_chair]

Just as a little reminder for personal use 2:10

[@dansplace8161]

I love you

[@katekiler]

creep

[@vozduka7557]

I try to take care of my books, but you know, life happens.

[@JohnEarlStar]

Will books become extinct one day?

[@SquirrellyNerdyJess]

I hope not! In my experience at my bookshop, quite the opposite, though. Sales have been steady if not increasing thankfully.

[@JohnEarlStar]

Great With all the digital media, and all this talk about the environment, I thought books would soon be banned.