Readers who collect secondhand books may need to think beyond dust and worn covers when caring for their libraries. In an article for The New York Times, journalist Martine Thompson explores an unusual preservation method gaining attention among readers: freezing books to eliminate pests such as silverfish and book lice. The practice gained wider attention after author Logan Spurgeon shared a video about freezing books he had bought from a thrift store after noticing an unpleasant smell. The article also highlights the risks of mould and moisture damage, particularly in books acquired from secondhand shops, garage sales and community book exchanges.
According to Kristi Westberg, interim head of preservation and conservation at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, freezing can be an effective way to deal with insects in books. The process, however, requires care: books should be sealed in bags before being placed in the freezer, kept frozen for at least three days, and allowed to thaw without condensation forming on their pages. For serious infestations, a second freezing session may be necessary because some insect eggs can survive the first treatment. Freezing does not address the underlying conditions that attract pests, so proper storage remains essential. Experts recommend avoiding damp basements, attics and garages in favour of stable temperatures and humidity levels.
Beyond the freezer, the article examines how readers can extend the lives of their books through careful inspection and storage. Musty smells, visible spotting, swollen covers and pages stuck together can indicate moisture exposure or mould, making it wise to separate a questionable secondhand book from the rest of a collection. For valuable or sentimental volumes, book conservator Jeff Peachey recommends protective archival boxes that shield books from light, environmental fluctuations and physical damage. The advice offers a reminder that preserving a personal library involves more than buying and reading books: it also means creating the conditions in which they can survive for years to come.
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