D E P R E S S E D … . .
While I was repacking some of my books last night, I discovered, to my dismay, that quite a few of my favourite books have yellow spots on corners and edges of the pages. The covers are in near-perfect condition because of the plastic wrappings that were administered to them months ago but I completely forgot about the weather factor. Humidity in Singapore is such a problem. I should have been a bit more careful. Thankfully the graphic novels in my wardrobe-cum-bookshelf are still safe. i remember how upset I got when I found yellow rings decorating my Alan Lee illustrated Lord of the Rings hardcover some years ago.
Right now, the walls of the shelf are laced with thick porous paper that I ripped from a free Japanese local leisure newspaper; the books have been replaced in their original locations. Hopefully this will help reduce the problem for the time being. I know that in order to prevent the issue from worsening, I’d have to purchase one of those dehumidifying agents. Sealing the books in special vacuum bags is another method but it’s a little too extreme: my books are meant to be read and enjoyed not packed away.
