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

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