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Repairing a broken book binding can help to restore a book's value and extend its lifespan. In many cases, you can repair the broken book binding yourself. The materials used for book repair are usually very inexpensive and are available both in stores and at online retailers, such as Brodart.com. It's important to always use archival materials, as these will prevent the repair from becoming yellow and brittle over time.

There are several types of book repair. One of the most common types is called casing-in. This repair technique is used when the end pages of a book have become so worn that the book becomes detached from the cover. The book can be repaired by replacing the endpapers and regluing the spine of the book to its cover.

Also, the hinges of a book whose spine has become loose can be tightened. Using glue and a knitting needle, and some waxed paper, you can reglue the loosened portion to the book. Place the paper between the end pages after you have applied the glue, using the knitting needle, inside the loosened part of the cover. You can then place a heavy object on top of the book (make sure it's flat, or that there's a small flat surface between the book and the heavy object) while the glue is drying.

If some splitting has occurred between the end pages, some hinge tape will easily remedy the problem. For best results, you should always use an acid-free adhesive to bind the tape to the area where the free end pages and the end pages that are secured to the inside of the cover meet.

There are two types of book bindings; glued and sewn. If your book is sewn, and it's split or come loose, you will need to have it resewn by a professional. After the repair is complete, be sure to store your books properly to prevent further damage.

However, in some cases you may be able to repair a glued binding. For example, if the spine of your book's cover has come off completely, you can reattach it. Removing the spine, and being careful to not cut through the book's hinges, you can use cloth tape to reattach it. Old glue and paper must be scraped off the interior spine. Using acid-free adhesive and cloth tape, the spine can now be reattached. Brodart materials are generally preferred for this sort of book repair.

If a book has little value, you can just use hot glue. However if it is particularly valuable, or highly valuable, have it repaired by a professional.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Claerr.
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