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Repairing a broken book binding is fairly easy although please check that you are not damaging a first edition.

Valuable books should be repaired by a professional.

Before you decide which method to use you need to examine the book. Hold the book open with the hinge facing you. If the end papers are still attached to the text block you can do a simple repair to tighten the hinge.

Tools for the job
PVA glue
A metal rod or knitting needle
Waxed paper
A book press or heavy object.

Method.
Stand the book on end, holding it open. Dip the metal rod/ knitting needle in the glue and push the rod down each side of the hinge. Twist the rod so the glue spreads evenly. Now turn the book over and repeat the process.
Insert the waxed paper inside the end pages to stop any excess glue from sticking to the pages and place in the book press or put a heavy object on top of the book.
Leave it over night to allow the glue to dry.

For less valuable books you can simply use cellotape but this does tend to form a lump and will stop the book from closing properly.

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