You probably already know that books don’t last forever, but what life expectancy can you expect from your favorite books?
If you’re curious about the average lifespan of a book, the factors that influence a book’s shelf life, and what you can do to extend it, you’ve come to the right place!
You are reading: How long do books last
how long are the books? a brief preface
Before we dive into the details, the first thing you need to know is that the lifespan of a book depends on many things, especially how you take care of it.
Paperback books can last up to 20 years, while hardcover books have a useful life of between 40 and 60 years. this has to do with how each type of book is made: paperbacks are made of paper, while hardcovers are made of cardboard.
As time passes, the glue that holds the pages together and holds the spine of the paperback weakens and quickly falls apart. this causes the pages to loosen and fall out. That’s right, a book lover’s worst nightmare.
on the other hand, hard covers are made of cardboard and therefore can withstand more wear and tear over time. hardcover books tend to last longer because their covers don’t fall off or fall apart like paperback pages do. however, if you take care of both types of books, both can last between 10 and 60 years.
the difference between paperback and hardcover
Hardcover and softcover are two types of books that involve different binding techniques in the manufacturing process.
“hard cover”, “hard cover” and “hard cover” are terms used to describe the same binding method. an alternative term for ‘paperback’ is ‘paperback’ or ‘paperback’, which are variations frequently used today.
trade paperbacks and mass market paperbacks are two types of paperbacks that can be found in bookstores.
Unlike hardcovers, paperbacks have a soft cardboard or thick paper cover that protects the pages from getting dirty. It’s less bulky than other covers, but it’s more prone to wrinkles and creases with use.
what is the average life of a book?
The average lifespan of a paperback is 10 to 20 years, while the average lifespan of a hardcover book is 40 to 60 years.
This stems from the fact that paperbacks are more prone to wear and tear than hardcovers. The main thing that affects a book’s shelf life is its physical condition. if you take good care of your books, they will last you a long time.
do books last forever?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is usually NO.
While some books may remain intact for decades or even centuries, many factors determine how long a book will last. The two main factors that influence the useful life of a book are its environmental and physical conditions.
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The environment plays a very important role in the longevity of books. Dirt, dust, sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures affect books in different ways. the physical condition of the books is also critical. If the cover is falling off, the pages are brittle or yellowed, or the ink has faded on some of the pages, you will have difficulty reading the contents of the book.
how long do paperbacks last?
As stated above, the average lifespan of a paperback is approximately 10 years.
The useful life of a paperback largely depends on the type of paper used.
There are so many different types of paper, but to make things easier for you, I’ve divided them into two main categories:
- papers with wood fibers
- papers without wood fibers
Paper made from wood is less expensive because not all of the raw material is processed, leaving only the essential cellulose to extract (sorry for the fancy words, I had no way around it).
an inexpensive paperback will probably survive 10 years, but a higher quality book can last hundreds of years and could still be restored by a competent bookbinder.
why do many people prefer to buy paperback books?
Although hardcovers are durable and look beautiful in a bookstore, many people prefer paperbacks, and for a number of reasons:
- Paperbacks are almost always cheaper than their hardcover equivalents.
- Paperbacks are often smaller and more portable, making them ideal for reading about the go.
- many enjoy the feel of paperbacks (you can’t judge a person’s feelings!)
how can i make my paperbacks last longer?
here are some ways to make your paperback last longer:
keep away from water
Keep paperbacks away from water as much as possible to avoid unnecessary damage. a few drops of water won’t destroy your book, but letting it swim in a pool or bathtub will cause irreversible damage.
When you’re not using your books, be sure to store them in a dry area to prevent mold growth. they can get moldy if not cared for properly.
save the books correctly
You need to store your books carefully. if you have the space available on the shelves, the books should be arranged so that they are flat against each other. it is important not to clutter a shelf with items that may be difficult to remove later. To keep books organized on a side table or bedside, stack them with the largest (and heaviest) volumes at the bottom of the stack. take a moment to wipe down the books from time to time to make sure they stay clean.
cover the book
Laminating the front and back covers of books with clear adhesive paper is an excellent option. As a result, the liners will be more resistant to tears and spills. simply cut a sheet of self-adhesive paper that is slightly larger than the pages and front of the book. then remove the lining and glue it to the cover and spine of the book as desired. Instead of just plain contact paper, a beautiful fabric or paper cover is a good option to consider.
use a bookmark
Try to avoid the temptation to turn the corner of the page to mark the page you left off. instead, use a marker. (consider checking out the options at your local bookstore). If you already have access to a pouch laminator, you can also create your own markers.
keep out of reach of children & pets
Take precautions to keep your books out of the reach of children and pets. dogs love to chew on books!
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If you have children, limit their access to your paperbacks until they are old enough.
how long do hardcover books last?
Depending on the care you give your hardcover books, they can last between 40 and 60 years. sometimes even more than that!
Most people expect hardcover books to survive forever. however, due to cost-cutting measures taken by some publishers, the material in many hardcovers is not of the quality you want.
Hardcover books are made from high-quality paper. that’s why they last much longer than paperbacks. This is not to say that hardcover books don’t have their own set of problems and need special care as well.
Like all books, hardcover books are damaged if exposed to extreme temperatures or sunlight. in addition, they also retain moisture and, if not properly maintained, can fall apart quite easily.
How do I make my hardcover books last longer?
avoid sunlight
“Bring me some sunlight, baby!” yes, that’s me when I’m on vacation in the Caribbean islands.
However, that’s not me when I organize my books. keep your books as far away from sunlight as possible.
watch the temperature
Avoid keeping your books in places like closets, garages, or basements. these are probably the worst places to keep anything of value, including books, as they are not climate controlled.
If it is absolutely necessary to use these spaces, do your best to keep the temperature and humidity as stable as possible. using a dehumidifier in very humid places or using a humidifier in dry areas would be a smart way to start.
check air quality
Consider installing an air purifier in the area where your books are placed. In addition to prolonging the life of your books, air purifiers also help improve indoor air quality.
handle books with care
Before you touch your books, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. don’t let oils or dirt come in contact with your books.
especially relevant for today’s covid-19 era: avoid using sanitizer on your hands seconds before touching your books. this will lead to discoloration!
conclusion
Many factors affect the longevity of books, but it all starts with you.
Don’t be surprised if your books don’t last long if you forget to care for them or store them in a way that causes them to deteriorate. Follow the tips I’ve included in this article, like keeping your valuable volumes out of the reach of children and pets, and your precious books will last as long as possible.
See Also: Kate Carlisle – Book Series In Order