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
so happy to find your channel! im just this past year getting into reading, and finding i love older books and many need repair, this is so helpful! thankyou!
I'm currently in my preservation and treatment class for Information and Library sciences and this was so helpful! They gave us handouts that go step by step, but it helps to see how to do it, vs black and white step by step instructions. I was so nervous to make the repairs on an 1911first edition, but I got a super high grade thanks to your helpful video 💖
Found your channel as I need to repair some old vintage sci fi novels that are falling apart... ..thanks for taking the time to post these tutorials..please keep going and post more. Don't get discouraged, your videos and style is great and your audience will definitely grow... Thanks again.
That’s very kind, thank you. I do have many, many more videos planned and in progress. I’ve only taken a break in the last months because my husband and I are buying a house and have been staying elsewhere temporarily with all our stuff in storage, but as soon as we move, I’ll be up and running again! If there’s anything specific you’d like to see, I’m always open to ideas. I’ve got a few requests on my priority standby list already. Best wishes!
Thank you for this!!!!! I just recently got a poetry book from Salvation Army and found both sides falling off. Was able to get some PVA glue and fix it.
Aw, thank you for watching! I do have more coming up. (I’ve just been in an unexpectedly long limbo waiting to move house first.) If you have any questions or requests, let me know!
I've been learning on old books, but not valuable, on these exact problems, so far I've been " over fixing" and end up making things worse. This video helped tremendously on trying to be too aggressive. I'm anxious to try your techniques , Thanks.
Well, that answered my question about a book I am purchasing online with a cracked hinge. Thanks squirrel girl! You have fun channel says the book geek.
This is a good tutorial. I have a few books that have these issues and I will try to repair them myself. They cannot be worst than they are now! So I will give it a try. You give very clear and concise explanations. Good video. Liked and subscribed
That was just what I needed. I really enjoyed it. Thank you. I love your press. I will practise a bit before tackling the big one: Jude the Obscure 1896 1st edition. 😬
Been trying to teach myself how to do things like this and found your channel. It's great! I have something I need to repair similar to this but the front cover came off and I'm not sure how to reattach since the spine and back cover are separate from it now.
Never loose hope I found a second edition origin of species at a jard sale in the darwin anniversary year non the less.for 25euro The diamonds are still out there keep digging.
Yours is the best channel I've found so fat on the internet on this subject. Very qualitative. Would you please do a video on how to repair a book that was broken on its spine at two or more places? I am trying to figure out my best to repair my books. But I fear if I would mess it up completely.
Aww, thank you! I have many more videos in the works; just waiting to move into our new house before I do so as everything is currently in storage. I have a video specifically on spines coming very shortly upon my return, in fact, but may I ask where the spine is split on your book? If the video I’m planning doesn’t cover your needs, I’ll make a note for a part 2! ;)
@@SquirrellyNerdyJess it is a fat book, sewn bound and paper back. It was broken at the middle, and few pages later there was another break. As the book was sewn bound, the pages are not falling apart. But because it was paper back, I fear sooner or later it will be worsened. Also would you do a video on the types of glues and for what purpose they could be used. I mean, there are some glues that can't be used for spines. Some glues are only good for sticking papers. I also saw some videos where they stick a cloth at the spine. And there are some glues thar can't be used to stick a cloth on the spine (correct me if I'm wrong). That creates a lot of confusion on what glue I must buy. If you do a video on the whole equipment and tools that are required for binding books, that would be much better... Thanks a lot 🙏
This was SO helpful. How do you recommend fixing cracked spines that are like in the middle of the book? I have a vintage copy of the picture of Dorian gray and it's cracked like 2/3 of the way through.
Could you use fabric to reinforce the hinges from the inside of the covers if there are no end paper flaps left to glue back down? My mother’s 1980s cookbook could use some rescuing.
I collect vintage needle craft pattern booklets that have paper covers and are stapled along the spine. Tearing along the spine is the most common problem problem. Are there any good repair methods for this? Love your videos. You do excellent presentations.
You can either do a very fine line of glue along the very edges, wrap in clear film, and press - or you can use some archival tape to mend. My favourite brand is filmoplast, but there are plenty more out there. I'll probably do a video about archival tape down the line. One step beyond that is repairing with this Japanese tissue paper, but that's not something I've actually learned yet.
I collect old industrial arts texts and manuals. How do you repair the spine, when it breaks away from the covers? I'd like to minimally repair it to preserve notes made by previous owners, on inside covers, but I also want to make sure that the insides stay inside.
I have plans to do a video on how to repair spines. I'm hoping to get to it sometime this year, but not sure when. Are the pages loose on your books or are they still securely bound and it's just the spine that's loose? And do you have mainly hardcovers or paperback/softcover/limpcloth?
@Squirrel's Bookshelf they are secure in the book but "fluffy" The stitching appears intact but definitely a century of use. Looking more closely after watching the videos, back hinge is about 50% front is all there but have the flex tears in the paper from open/closing. Cover over spine is only attached along the back., but covers are still connected. I think there may be enough in the videos for the mechanical part, maybe not the esthetic.
hi, I have an older bible from 1906 and the front/back cover have fallen off it's hinge. do you happen to have a video on how to fix something like this? Thank you.
Ah. Well, if it feels loose along the hinge where the netting is exposed, you can still tighten that up (see my Loose Hinges video). Unfortunately, there won’t be an easy way of covering the netting without fully replacing the endpapers.
@@SquirrellyNerdyJess How would I remove and replace the endpapers without damaging the cover? The inner page would be easy to remove but is it possible to remove the side from the leather bound cardboard that is over this exposed netting without having to end up doing a whole new cover? (I'm concerned I'll do more damage) My book gap looks like your Oliver Twist one without the flap of paper that you glued over. I've been told "Just tape it over" but I'm hesitant to do that on my vintage Don Quixote. Is some kind of taping really going to be my best option?
@@nefraial I’m afraid I can’t give advice on replacing endpapers as I have only ever done repair work personally. I might look into cloth bookbinding tape, which is often used by libraries to reinforce hinges but still looks nice. I’ve only used it on spines myself, but I’m sure there’s a TH-cam video out there showing how to use bookbinding tape to reinforce hinges.
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
so happy to find your channel! im just this past year getting into reading, and finding i love older books and many need repair, this is so helpful! thankyou!
I'm currently in my preservation and treatment class for Information and Library sciences and this was so helpful! They gave us handouts that go step by step, but it helps to see how to do it, vs black and white step by step instructions. I was so nervous to make the repairs on an 1911first edition, but I got a super high grade thanks to your helpful video 💖
That’s amazing! I’m not formally trained, so it’s good to know what I’m saying seems correct and helpful. Best of luck with the rest of your class. 🤓
Found your channel as I need to repair some old vintage sci fi novels that are falling apart... ..thanks for taking the time to post these tutorials..please keep going and post more. Don't get discouraged, your videos and style is great and your audience will definitely grow... Thanks again.
That’s very kind, thank you. I do have many, many more videos planned and in progress. I’ve only taken a break in the last months because my husband and I are buying a house and have been staying elsewhere temporarily with all our stuff in storage, but as soon as we move, I’ll be up and running again! If there’s anything specific you’d like to see, I’m always open to ideas. I’ve got a few requests on my priority standby list already. Best wishes!
@@SquirrellyNerdyJess great news! Looking forward to seeing more content.
Thank you for this!!!!! I just recently got a poetry book from Salvation Army and found both sides falling off. Was able to get some PVA glue and fix it.
I'm a Chinese reader and I have found your videos from bilibili. 😆😆😆 Thank you so much for your methods of book caring. Best wishes ! 😘😘😎😎
Aw, thank you for watching! I do have more coming up. (I’ve just been in an unexpectedly long limbo waiting to move house first.) If you have any questions or requests, let me know!
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
Tank you i ordered a book fo my brother from Amazon, for Christmas,and it came cracked. This is a lifesaver
I've been learning on old books, but not valuable, on these exact problems, so far I've been " over fixing" and end up making things worse. This video helped tremendously on trying to be too aggressive. I'm anxious to try your techniques , Thanks.
You're tutorials are very helpful, thank you.
Glad to hear. Thank you.
Super helpful! Thank you so much!
Well, that answered my question about a book I am purchasing online with a cracked hinge. Thanks squirrel girl! You have fun channel says the book geek.
This is a good tutorial. I have a few books that have these issues and I will try to repair them myself. They cannot be worst than they are now! So I will give it a try. You give very clear and concise explanations. Good video. Liked and subscribed
That was just what I needed. I really enjoyed it. Thank you. I love your press.
I will practise a bit before tackling the big one: Jude the Obscure 1896 1st edition. 😬
Practice is key! And patience. 🙂 Let me know how it goes!
@@SquirrellyNerdyJess I will. I really have to do it now. I can't let the squirrels down.
Thanks for the video I got an old book from the 40s and it has this issue
This was so helpful. Thank you !!
Been trying to teach myself how to do things like this and found your channel. It's great! I have something I need to repair similar to this but the front cover came off and I'm not sure how to reattach since the spine and back cover are separate from it now.
I’m working on some more repair videos that will include reattaching boards!
Never loose hope I found a second edition origin of species at a jard sale in the darwin anniversary year non the less.for 25euro The diamonds are still out there keep digging.
Yours is the best channel I've found so fat on the internet on this subject. Very qualitative.
Would you please do a video on how to repair a book that was broken on its spine at two or more places? I am trying to figure out my best to repair my books. But I fear if I would mess it up completely.
Aww, thank you! I have many more videos in the works; just waiting to move into our new house before I do so as everything is currently in storage.
I have a video specifically on spines coming very shortly upon my return, in fact, but may I ask where the spine is split on your book? If the video I’m planning doesn’t cover your needs, I’ll make a note for a part 2! ;)
@@SquirrellyNerdyJess it is a fat book, sewn bound and paper back. It was broken at the middle, and few pages later there was another break. As the book was sewn bound, the pages are not falling apart. But because it was paper back, I fear sooner or later it will be worsened.
Also would you do a video on the types of glues and for what purpose they could be used. I mean, there are some glues that can't be used for spines. Some glues are only good for sticking papers. I also saw some videos where they stick a cloth at the spine. And there are some glues thar can't be used to stick a cloth on the spine (correct me if I'm wrong). That creates a lot of confusion on what glue I must buy.
If you do a video on the whole equipment and tools that are required for binding books, that would be much better...
Thanks a lot 🙏
This was SO helpful. How do you recommend fixing cracked spines that are like in the middle of the book? I have a vintage copy of the picture of Dorian gray and it's cracked like 2/3 of the way through.
Thank you. Well done.
Could you use fabric to reinforce the hinges from the inside of the covers if there are no end paper flaps left to glue back down? My mother’s 1980s cookbook could use some rescuing.
Yes, and in fact you can get cloth tape for such ventures!
I collect vintage needle craft pattern booklets that have paper covers and are stapled along the spine. Tearing along the spine is the most common problem problem. Are there any good repair methods for this? Love your videos. You do excellent presentations.
You can either do a very fine line of glue along the very edges, wrap in clear film, and press - or you can use some archival tape to mend. My favourite brand is filmoplast, but there are plenty more out there. I'll probably do a video about archival tape down the line. One step beyond that is repairing with this Japanese tissue paper, but that's not something I've actually learned yet.
great video thanks!
This is very helpful, thank you! How about old record albums where the covers are separating from the spine? Can you offer any guidance or resources?
Ooh, because they are holding more weight with the records, I might suggest cloth tape reinforcement on the inside hinges instead of glue.
Hi! I'm wondering if you could make a video on how you would tape a hardcover book that is brand new, but needs to be future-proofed! :)
Hi! I’n not sure what you mean by taped. Do you mean reinforcing the hinges? Or covering the boards?
I collect old industrial arts texts and manuals. How do you repair the spine, when it breaks away from the covers? I'd like to minimally repair it to preserve notes made by previous owners, on inside covers, but I also want to make sure that the insides stay inside.
I have plans to do a video on how to repair spines. I'm hoping to get to it sometime this year, but not sure when. Are the pages loose on your books or are they still securely bound and it's just the spine that's loose? And do you have mainly hardcovers or paperback/softcover/limpcloth?
@Squirrel's Bookshelf they are secure in the book but "fluffy" The stitching appears intact but definitely a century of use. Looking more closely after watching the videos, back hinge is about 50% front is all there but have the flex tears in the paper from open/closing. Cover over spine is only attached along the back., but covers are still connected. I think there may be enough in the videos for the mechanical part, maybe not the esthetic.
hi, I have an older bible from 1906 and the front/back cover have fallen off it's hinge. do you happen to have a video on how to fix something like this? Thank you.
Not yet, but I do have plans. Are the boards completely detached then?
What if my book is showing all the netting but the paper has been rubbed away so that there is nothing to glue down?
Ah. Well, if it feels loose along the hinge where the netting is exposed, you can still tighten that up (see my Loose Hinges video). Unfortunately, there won’t be an easy way of covering the netting without fully replacing the endpapers.
@@SquirrellyNerdyJess How would I remove and replace the endpapers without damaging the cover? The inner page would be easy to remove but is it possible to remove the side from the leather bound cardboard that is over this exposed netting without having to end up doing a whole new cover? (I'm concerned I'll do more damage)
My book gap looks like your Oliver Twist one without the flap of paper that you glued over. I've been told "Just tape it over" but I'm hesitant to do that on my vintage Don Quixote. Is some kind of taping really going to be my best option?
@@nefraial I’m afraid I can’t give advice on replacing endpapers as I have only ever done repair work personally. I might look into cloth bookbinding tape, which is often used by libraries to reinforce hinges but still looks nice. I’ve only used it on spines myself, but I’m sure there’s a TH-cam video out there showing how to use bookbinding tape to reinforce hinges.
Thanks for the video, understandable instructions and things that you already have home to make the repairs. Are you on Twitter?
Thank you for watching and for the feedback! I’m not on Twitter, no.
Good👍👍
Great video , music needs some attention😊
What is this 'nedding' you speak of? Do you mean the fabric mesh perhaps?
Sorry, “netting.” (My nose was stuffed when I recorded the voice over. 😂) Yes, the fabric mesh.
I'm trying to repair an old bible. Thank you
Wait! You mean you DON'T use packing tape? 🤣😂
Please, can you lose the background noise, I won't dignify it by comparing it to music. It's just a distraction, totally unnecessary!
Settle down.