Why Second Hand Books are Better and 5 Tips on How to Take Care of Second Hand Books

As a used books vendor, we believe that purchasing used books is the best option. The following reasons are an excellent place to start learning and recognizing how wonderful a second hand book can be; as well as how to take care of used books. 

You will be able to save money when you buy second hand books. 

Used books are less expensive. Of course, there's a good explanation for this. New books can be expensive, especially if you buy them in bulk. When you buy used, you usually save at least half the price. Did you know that buying a used book instead of a new one saved World of Books consumers 66 percent last year? 

Strange book adoration 

The books on the used shelf may not be New York Times bestsellers this year. They could be mainstream flops. They may have been popular two or twenty years ago. In an era when our collective memory lasts three weeks, either is useful. You'll be astonished by them since they're deep cuts in our cultural history. You'll even get the chance to try something you've never heard of before. It's possible that it'll be unpleasant. You might really enjoy it. However, whatever emotion you have, it will be knowledge about us. Regarding you. 

The way books age has a big impact, and it's sometimes surprising. It's often a mystery as to why they've been resold. Look for them. Take a look at them. Take in their knowledge. You'll acquire a distinct and long-term viewpoint. 

The thrill of the chase of second hand books 

The books that teach you how to earn them come with an experience that no national chain can match. They don't have to be uncommon or valuable to be technically difficult to locate and valuable to you. Have a good time. Purchase second hand books that you must seek out. 

This procedure is not only enjoyable and empowering, but it is also critical to your continued enjoyment of your quarry. It's simple to walk into a big box and make an assured purchase. As book nerds who visit the library regularly, we can promise you that many libraries receive hundreds of gifts of last-season blockbusters each year. 

Your copy of Good Omens with the pre-Amazon cover, on the other hand, will be special to you for a long time since it was worth your time and work. Even if you're reselling it because you despise every word, you'll have a meaningful relationship with it after it leaves your possession. 

Become a part of the common history of second hand books. 

You never know what you're going to receive when you buy an old used book. Inscriptions or dedications in the margins or on the front page. You're a part of a common history, and even better, you're free to leave your mark along the journey. 

Second hand books more environmentally friendly. 

When you acquire a new book, you're looking for a two-fold experience: personal amusement and group engagement. Given the existence of library waitlists, we can attribute most of the desire for new books to a desire for convenience. This is a stupid reason to utilize resources, my friends. 

Our earth is currently in bad ecological shape, in part because developed countries rely too heavily on creating low-cost, rapid answers for our needs, then discarding those solutions in landfills once we've used them. A conceptual revolution is required. We need to get into the habit of appreciating—and purchasing—used items, such as books. It won't save the globe by itself, but it's one of the silver buckshot pellets we'll need to save our climate and, eventually, our world as we know it. 

It's not the end of the world if you get a new book every now and then. Many people are hesitant to give second hand books as gifts, which we understand. Some types of instruction necessitate the purchase of new paper books. E-books are a fantastic option, but not everyone owns one. We are not a fan of environmental shaming. You've got to do your best. 

But, if you have the option of buying new or second hand books, consider what you've learned today. Consider how buying used books can enhance your experience and your world. Then go to your neighborhood bookstore for a while and see how you feel. We assure you that it will not be a waste of time. 

The fragrance of an old used book 

New books have the same odor. It has that new-off-the-press aroma. Second hand books, on the other hand, have been collecting their own distinct aroma for years, decades, and even centuries. There's the smell of a British Library, the smell of a well-loved old lady, and, of course, the smell of a book that has suffered water damage. 

The old covers (oh, how we adore them...) 

A vintage edition of your favorite book, what's not to like? Those editions are significantly more fascinating than the re-releases that have been released recently. If you're interested in rare and vintage book covers, Usedbooksfactory has an amazing collection. 

You will read more by buying second hand books 

When you have a stack of similarly captivating reading on your shelf, you'll be motivated to complete your present book. You'll have no trouble maintaining that stack high when you can buy second hand books at Usedbooksfactory for a good price. 

Second hand books have already begun to show signs of wear and tear. 

Books aren't supposed to be spoiled in any way. Pick up a second hand book copy instead of worrying about preserving a clean and stain-free book. The binding is likely twisted, and you may come across some warped pages along the road, but you may toss it in your bag and keep on. Used books have been around for a long time, and they've seen some incredible things. We're confident they'll make it through another short trip in your backpack. 

Taking Care of Second Hand Books 

Except for leather books, taking care of any type of book, especially old used books, is the same. The following are some suggestions for safely storing your old used books. 

How to Care for Second Hand Books 

Maintain a clean and dust-free environment for your second hand books. 

Dust is something that we as humans try to avoid, and the same is true when it comes to properly caring for old second hand books. Imagine wearing a well-tailored suit and taking up an old book off the shelf only to find dust on your palm. You can start sneezing as a result of the dust, which is not a pleasant experience. Simply maintain dusting them on a regular basis. 

Used books should be kept out of direct sunlight. 

The sun's ultra violet rays create a chemical reaction on paper. Most fluorescent bulbs are claimed to leak ultraviolet rays, which have the same impact as visible light but are weaker. Bindings and dust jackets fade in the sun. Keep your second hand books (books in general) out of direct sunlight or use incandescent bulbs that aren't pointed directly at them. 

How to properly shelve and store second hand books 

It is recommended that you shelve old worn books so that they stand upright on the shelf rather than leaning on it. Keep the books from being too close together or too loosely shelved. Tall books should be kept in a stack with other tall books. Stack a few old, similar-sized used books together. When taking an old used book off the shelf, push the books on either side of it in and pull the book out by the spine's center. Pull it from the top of the spine, not the bottom. Books should never be stored with their spines or fore edges facing up. You're placing strain on the binding in the first example, which could lead the text block to detach from the cover, and you're causing the spine to become cocked or slanted in the second case. 

Makeover your outdated books 

Books, too, must be dressed! Only in the proper manner. Myler jackets are one of the most popular and affordable book covers. A good quality myler jacket should always be used to safeguard a second hand book with a dust jacket. Myler protects the jacket from being damaged, scratched, or soiled by our hands' oils, which aren't harmful. 

Old maps and paper bags can also be used to cover old used books if you are concerned about the environment. There is an article that provides a decent overview of how to use such items to cover a book. 

Handle second hand books with caution. 

While reading, hold the book in both hands or cradle it in your lap. Don't fold the cover back on itself if it's a paperback. If you don't turn the pages properly and avoid wrinkling the paper, the edges of the pages will start folding at an angle, reducing the book's lifespan. Food and drinks should be kept away from books. This isn't to say that you shouldn't drink coffee while reading your favorite book. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't leak. 

Make sure any book marks have been removed from an old used book once you've done reading it. Avoid slamming the book open too wide, as this can harm the spine. Simply open as wide as is required. Avoid using glue or tape to fix book pages, and don't use oil on leather bindings. If your book needs to be repaired, seek expert help before attempting to repair it yourself.