OpenTube

How to Fix a Book: From Hinge Repair to Page Tears

The Huntington

223,096 views

Learn how to restore books at home in this hands-on tutorial with our book conservator, Mitchel Gundrum. In this step-by-step video, you’ll learn three basic book repair techniques used by conservators to address common issues within paperbacks and hardcovers: double-fan adhesive binding, reinforcing broken hinges, and mending torn pages.

Adapted from professional practices used to care for The Huntington’s collection of more than 12 million rare books, manuscripts, and other materials, these techniques offer practical ways to extend the life of your books.

Featured materials and supplies used in the video:
https://bit.ly/3HnGwnH

Learn more about The Huntington’s conservation work:
https://www.huntington.org/preservati...

For rare books in your collection that require repairs, find a professional conservator using the links below:

American Institute for Conservation 'Find a Professional' tool:
https://www.culturalheritage.org/abou...

Guild of Book Workers Public Directory:
https://guildofbookworkers.org/find

Subscribe for more content from The Huntington: @TheHuntington

Director of Photography: Aric Allen
Editor: Arianna Muñoz
Managing Producer: Deborah Miller Marr

20 Comments

@thethriftyfawn 1 year ago (edited)

Oh my goodness, THANK YOU! I accidentally clicked on the sponsored ad, but do not regret it!

Last week I accidentally dropped a book that I had inherited from my great-aunt, some damage occurred to the binding, but looked repairable because it seemed due to old glue that had dried out and separated. I set the book aside with the intention of looking up a repair tutorial at some point when I had the chance.

Now I can return to this video when I'm ready and/or need to get someone else to help me, or if I encounter any other instances of book damage in my lifetime.

Thanks again!

@dovej3516 1 year ago

I’ve repaired so many books my bone folder had worn down. This is a good video showing the process.

@maxrsiegel 1 year ago

This was lovely and informative! Mitchel’s a great presenter.

@jeanmitchell2777 1 year ago

I saw this as an ad and ended up watching the whole thing. I never thought of fixing my damaged books but now feel equipped to try it. Not talking about precious books, which sound like they should have an expert, just old books that are cracking or losing pages and I'd like to keep them usable. Thank you to this instructor. He is very clear in explaining the steps!

@Mattytube18 1 year ago (edited)

Super cool profession!

I love old collectible books.

@hunt0583 1 year ago

How do you get a job like that? What sort of knowledge do you need before hand?

@RobertPrather81 10 months ago

Mitchel needs to do an ongoing series like this! Love this vid.

@Wahahae 1 year ago

I would really like to work here

@sbeepboop 1 year ago

I used to volunteer at the Huntington - in both the rose garden and operations/the people who keep everything running. I got a full tour of everything behind the scenes and one of the coolest things was all of the old books you guys have that aren’t on display down in the basement. I saw Abe Lincoln’s dresser, too! It had just been gifted to The Huntington. If people only knew your full collection - it’s so incredibly cool and fascinating! Loved volunteering for you - and totally miss dead heading with Tom Carruth!

@LostInSpaces 1 year ago

What a cool job!

@lizogrady8611 1 year ago

Thank you so much for this clear and thorough (without being overwhelming) tutorial! I have a small collection of paper ephemera and had no idea what was possible. Now I'm inspired to try (and practice) some of these techniques! :-)

@theodorekorehonen 1 year ago

Holy cow dude I had to rewind at like 11:31 so I could catch that nifty brush flip you did there. Informative and stylish!

@AnnieBuck 1 year ago

Thank you so much for this excellent and helpful tutorial.

@jon9509 3 weeks ago

Thank you thank you thank you! What an excellent resource. I have several old books that have sentimental value to me but are falling apart and now I can keep them and use them for the rest of my life. Once again, thank you!