Many book owners believe that tightly closed glass or wooden cabinet doors are ideal protection for their favorite volumes. It seems that this way dust does not get inside, and the covers are protected from direct sunlight. However, inside the sealed space, special microclimatewhich without proper care can be destructive for paper and bindings.
The Invisible Threat of Stagnant Air
Books are made of organic materials: cellulose, glue, fabric and sometimes leather. These materials are hygroscopic, that is, they actively interact with the environment, absorbing and releasing moisture. When the cabinet is constantly closed, the air inside stagnates.
If the humidity in the room increases or the temperature changes sharply, a kind of greenhouse effect. Moisture penetrates the pages, but due to the lack of air circulation, it cannot evaporate quickly. This triggers destruction processes that are initially invisible to the eye.
The main enemies of closed shelves
Regular ventilation is essential to combat three major problems that shorten the life of your library.
Mold and mildew
Mold spores are present in the air of any living space, but they only germinate in favorable conditions. Dampness and lack of air movement – an ideal environment for their reproduction. The fungus attacks the paper, leaving characteristic red or brown spots on it (foxings), which are almost impossible to remove.
Chemical aging of paper
Over time, paper, especially those printed in the second half of the 20th century, releases acidic compounds. This process is natural, but in a confined space the concentration of released gases increases. It speeds up page oxidationmaking them brittle and yellow. Ventilation helps remove these decay products, slowing down the aging of publications.
Book pests
Insects such as book louse and silverfish do not like drafts and dry conditions. They look for dark, damp and quiet places. By regularly opening the doors, you disturb the comfortable habitat of pests and reduce the risk of their appearance.
How to properly ventilate a closet
No complicated manipulations are required to maintain the health of books. It is enough to follow simple rules of air circulation.
-
Open cabinet doors at least once a week.
-
In dry weather, it is enough to leave them open for 15–20 minutes.
-
Do not fill the shelves too tightly: between the spine of the book and the back wall of the cabinet, as well as above the top edge of the book, there should be free space for air to pass through.
-
During general cleaning, it is advisable to remove books completely to wipe down the shelves and allow them to dry.
The simple habit of opening bookcase doors allows you to equalize the level of humidity inside and outside, preventing deformation of the bindings and the appearance of an unpleasant musty smell. This is the most affordable and free method of conservation that will preserve your collection for future generations.
About the Author
