Are you picky about the condition of your books?

[Peronel]

i've noticed how many people are so picky about the condition of their books, and while tearing books on purpose(gasp!!) surves no purpose, i think it's the content that matters. I think if a a book is old, dog eared and falling apart it's better then a brand new one-it shows that you've read and appreciated the book, maybe even reread it!

Hermione, I'm with you. I think of people in the same way..a little bit of damage here and there only suggests a life of love and adventure!!

 

[HermioneWeasley]

Hermione, I'm with you. I think of people in the same way..a little bit of damage here and there only suggests a life of love and adventure!!

finally, someone who agrees!

 

[Kelvi]

I keep my books in perfect condition. I never EVER dog ear the pages. I use a bookmark instead.

I rarely lend out books, others may not feel the same about my books as I do.

Like me i always keep my books in perfect condition and i always use a book mark and don't fold the book back too much.

 

[Scriblerus]

Hi all,

I always cover my books in clear plastic self-adhesive film (sticky-backed plastic to those of a certain generation), it does seem to help to stop the spines from drying out and cracking. And I kinda like the ritual of doing it.....does that make me a tad weird?

I collect those souvenir leather bookmarks so I use those to mark the page I'm on. If the book is something I'm likely to use a lot, like a reference book, non-fiction, that kind of thing, then I will get it covered in strong thick clear plastic at my workplace.
Since I work in an academic library with a very good in-house book-binding and conservation section, staffed by a very accommodating chap who will undertake repairs and suchlike for the price of a pint, or a bottle of wine for a bigger job, I'm quite well-off in the book-welfare department.

All books should be treated with love and care. They are precious, living things......

 

[SFG75]

just no dog-eared pages

I have TBF to thank for noticing that myself. I use to be pretty bad at dog-earing books, but since we had a thread on bookmarks, I have to say that I have changed completley and that I use a bookmark. Otherwise, I force myself to memorize the page number.

 

[ions]

I take very good care of my books. I don't think there's anything wrong with taking care of anything especially when they're something you value so much. I adore my books and I want to continue doing that for a long long time. I carry my books in a case when I go out. I am careful not to bend to crease the spine or put too much of a bend in the cover. I take care of the things I value.

 

[SFG75]

I take very good care of my books. I don't think there's anything wrong with taking care of anything especially when they're something you value so much. I adore my books and I want to continue doing that for a long long time. I carry my books in a case when I go out. I am careful not to bend to crease the spine or put too much of a bend in the cover. I take care of the things I value.

I understand what you mean, and I agree. At the same time, I like the look and feel of a well-worn book. Kind of like a broken in baseball glove.

 

[ions]

Sure if it's a used book its wear is a badge of its experience. But if it's new and under my care I want to keep it in the best shape possible. I bought a used copy of Michener's Hawaii for a buck with the proceeds going to a local animal aid program. The front cover was held on by a few tenacious fibers of paper. A couple hundred pages in the spine split in half. It was convenient since it was a 1200 page brick. The split created a convenient part 1 and 2. After I finished I duct taped that baby up.

I like the idea that a used book has a history. Remember though, you can't judge a book by its wear. I study my books. I make notes. I copy passages. I still keep the book pristine. That is the history I leave the book.