Paperback (Library) Book Repair

by Kelsey Norwood

in Tutorials

I love paperback children’s books because they’re inexpensive and easy to hold and store, but they don’t always hold up very well. These kinds of books are usually stapled together, and the section in the very center often tears right out of the staples.

I finally got around to repairing a handful that had lost pages, and I think they’re more sturdy now than before.

how to fix books

To repair your library or paperback books, here’s what you’ll need:

book repair supplies

Start by figuring out what order the pages need to go back in. An obvious first step, but make sure you have it right!

book repairing

Lay the loose section on the table and put a long piece of tape along the edge, with about an 1″ of excess on either side.

paperback book repair

The best way I found to make sure the tape doesn’t get all wonky is to fold the tape back over on itself so that you can align the loose page with the book without the tape sticking accidentally.

When you have the pages right where you want them, roll the unstuck half of the tape over onto the pages you’re connecting to.

how to repair a book

Just like that.

fixing books

Close the book and cut off the excess tape.

library book repair

Make sure you tape both sides of the page(s) you’re reattaching so it’s completely secure.

I fixed about 5 books in 15 minutes and now they’re good as new!

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

1 Anonymous at

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: