June 20, 2014 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   Summer is here! Long days and warm evenings.  For some people, summer means camping, boating, swimming and other outdoor activities.

   If you are a reader, than you know how easy it is for books to take an unexpected dip in a body of water (or the bathtub) or get soaked in a sprinkler.

   Most of us just put up with the water-wrinkled pages if we are able to save the book and dry it out. However, I'm here to share with you a method that I learnt in one of my library courses.

   First, squeeze as much of the water out of the book as you can.

   Next, put the book in the freezer.  You want it to freeze solid.

   Place a towel on a flat surface and put the completely frozen book on the towel.  If the book is hardcover, you will want to put paper towel or another thin towel inside the front and back covers.  Paperbacks just need a towel on the outside.

   Fold the towel over the top of the book, or place another towel on top of the book.

   Finally, place a very heavy weight on top of the whole stack.  Whatever you use for a weight (larger book, full box, etc) must cover the book and extend over the edges, but not be so large that it tips over rather than sitting level.

   As the ice melts, the water will be absorbed by the towels so make sure you check occasionally, and change the towels/paper towels as necessary.

   Once the ice has completely melted, and all the water has been absorbed by the towels, your book should be as good as new, with nary any wrinkled pages.

   As you partake in your favourite summer activities, don’t let a waterlogged book spoil your summer fun this year.

Beth

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