Title:Drying Books and Family Papers
Author: Nayda I. Torres
Date: 1992

Drying Books and Family Papers
Nayda I. Torres

     Dry books and papers slowly:

 1.  If books and papers are damp, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum
     powder between pages to absorb moisture.  Leave powder on
     for several hours and then brush off.

 2.  Books that have sustained water damage should be placed on
     end with pages separated.

 3.  When pages are partially dry, pile and press books to keep
     pages from crumpling.

 4.  Alternate drying and pressing until books are thoroughly
     dry.  This helps prevent mildew.  Use a fan to hasten
     drying.

 5.  When books are nearly dry, apply low heat with an electric
     iron.  Separate the pages to prevent musty odors.  This is a
     tedious process which you may want to use only with valuable
     books.

 6.  Some chemicals such as parachlorobenzene may help stop mold
     growth.  Books can be placed in closed containers with moth
     crystals to help stop mold growth.  Contact your County Extension
     Office for recommendations.

 7.  When books are thoroughly dry, close them and use C-clamps
     to help retain their shape.

 8.  Books and papers may be frozen until you have time to work
     with them.  Freezing is very effective in controlling mold
     growth.

 9.  Even if books and papers appear to have dried successfully,
     they may disintegrate because of materials in the flood
     water.  As a precautionary measure, photocopy important
     documents or papers.

10.  An excellent source of information is the publication,
     "Procedures for Salvage of Water-Damaged Library Materials"
     by the Library of Congress available at your local library.