This week, the Naked Book Project added another 300 lbs. to its total of donated, recycled books. While we are thrilled to help the environment and recycle this unuseable material, it also saddens us that so many of the wonderful books that have been donated are deteriorated to the point that they cannot be placed in our literacy programs.

So, here are a couple of easy tips on how to care for your books, so that they can be enjoyed for many years to come:

Do not store your books in the basement. No matter how dry your basement is, they will smell musty.

Do not store your books in the attic. The intense heat will yellow the pages and make them brittle.

If possible, store books flat (even on a bookcase) so that the spine isn’t damaged.

When packing books, pack them flat. If you pack them upright (library style) and put additional books (or boxes) on top, the spines will bend.

And remember, words change worlds, so donate those fantastic books before they become obsolete. Someone who really needs them will thank you!

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab to learn more.

Read now, because success won’t wait!