Save the page!

An old book that is opened with a quill pen and ink on top
Save Page

How do you save your page?

When it comes to reading, everyone has their own preferences. Some people prefer to read on digital devices, while others love the feel of a physical book in their hands. Similarly, there are various ways to mark your place in a book. Dog-earing might be one option, but it’s worth considering the drawbacks before you make it your go-to method.

As mentioned earlier, dog-earing can damage the book over time. Even though it might not seem like a big deal, the small crease can weaken the paper, which could lead to tears or even a hole in the page. If you’re someone who loves to reread your favourite books, you might find that dog-eared pages become more fragile and harder to turn over time.

Another issue with dog-earing is that it’s imprecise. When you mark your place in a book, it’s usually because you want to come back to a specific line or paragraph later on. However, dog-earing only tells you the general area where you left off. If you have to put the book down for a while, you might forget which line you were on and have to flip through the pages to find your spot. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you’re reading a lengthy novel.

Aesthetically, dog-earing pages can also be a turn-off. If you’re someone who loves to collect books and display them on your bookshelf, dog-eared pages can detract from the overall look and feel of your collection. Plus, if you lend your books to others, they might not appreciate finding dog-eared pages.

Luckily, there are many other ways to mark your place in a book that don’t involve dog-earing. One popular option is using bookmarks, which can be found in all shapes and sizes, from traditional paper bookmarks to magnetic bookmarks and even handmade ones. Another option is to use sticky notes, which allow you to mark specific lines or paragraphs that you want to come back to. If you’re reading on a digital device, most e-readers come with a built-in bookmark feature that makes it easy to pick up where you left off.

In addition to being more precise and aesthetically pleasing, using a bookmark or other method to mark your place in a book can also help you become more engaged with the text. When you mark a specific line or paragraph, you’re more likely to remember it later on and engage with the book on a deeper level.

Of course, at the end of the day, how you choose to mark your place in a book is up to you. If you find that dog-earing works best for your reading style, there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’re open to trying new methods, there are plenty of options out there that can make your reading experience even more enjoyable.

Old damaged books.

An old book that is opened with a quill pen and ink on top
Damaged Books

What to do with old damaged books

Old books are a treasure trove of knowledge, history, and stories that have been passed down for generations. But as much as we love them, they can sometimes become damaged, broken, or can fall apart. This can be a difficult situation for book lovers, as we don’t want to simply throw them away, but we also don’t know what to do with them. In this post, we’ll explore some options for what to do with old books that are broken and falling apart.

  1. Repair and Restore

One option for old books that are falling apart is to repair and restore them. There are many tutorials and online resources available that can guide you through the process of repairing old books. This can include reattaching loose pages, resewing bindings, or even replacing covers. If you’re not confident in your ability to repair the books yourself, you can also look for a professional book binder or restorer who can do the work for you.

  1. Preserve and Protect

Another option for old books that are falling apart is to preserve and protect them. This can involve using archival quality storage materials such as acid-free boxes or Mylar sleeves to protect the books from further damage. It can also involve storing the books in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause the pages to yellow and deteriorate over time. By taking steps to preserve and protect the books, you can help ensure that they remain intact for future generations to enjoy.

  1. Donate to an Archive or Museum

If you have old books that are historically significant or have cultural value, you may want to consider donating them to an archive or museum. These organisations have the resources and expertise to properly store and preserve old books, and can also make them available to researchers and scholars for study and research. Contact your local archive or museum to find out if they accept book donations and what their guidelines are.

  1. Create Art or Crafts

If you’re feeling creative, you can also repurpose old books that are falling apart into art or crafts. This can include creating collages or mixed media pieces, using the pages to create origami or paper flowers, or even using the covers to create book-themed jewellery. There are countless possibilities for repurposing old books into something beautiful and unique.

  1. Recycle

Finally, if you have old books that are beyond repair or restoration, you can consider recycling them. Many areas have recycling programs that accept paper products, including books. You can also look for specialised book recycling programs, which may be able to use the paper to create new products such as insulation or paper pulp. By recycling your old books, you can help reduce waste and give the paper a second life.

In conclusion, there are many options for what to do with old books that are broken and falling apart. From repairing and restoring them, to preserving and protecting them, to repurposing them into art or crafts, or even recycling them, there are plenty of ways to give new life to old books. Whatever you choose to do, remember that these books are not just objects, but a part of our shared cultural heritage, and it’s important to treat them with care and respect.