If you’re a big reader, you’ve probably got a library that’s on the verge of outgrowing your bookshelf. That’s okay, it happens to a lot of us. But when storage space for your books nears its limit, you need to find a solution. Few of us would want to part with our books. Don’t assume you’ll have to part with them – keep them in some of the best self-storage Mansfield has to offer. In a storage unit, your books are protected from everything that can potentially damage them, like UV light, heat, humidity, and careless hands. Heat, Humidity, and Light are Bad for Books Direct sunlight is brutal for a lot of different things, including your books’ pages and binding. Keeping your books out of the direct sunlight will protect them from these harmful UV rays. Similarly, humid and hot conditions can damage your books by causing their pages to curl, their binding to warp, and the constructive glue to break down and compromise their integrity. Beware of Bookworms You might call yourself a bookworm, but do you know what a bookworm actually is? The term refers to any insect that can burrow into books and destroy them by eating their pages and binding. Generally, they are various species of beetle larvae. Keeping your books clean and dry will keep bookworms away. Delicate Books Should Go in Protective Plastic Sleeves Although keeping your books in a humidity-controlled unit will keep bookworms away, give your rare and delicate books an additional layer of protection by keeping them in plastic sleeves. These can also cushion them from any impact they might face during transport or settling. Storing Other Media in Self Storage Mansfield Most libraries contain more than just books. If your library contains CDs, cassette tapes, DVDs, computers, and other digital media, a storage unit can also provide the right conditions for these items. If your library also contains fine art, know how to safely store your art pieces in your self-storage unit to protect them from damage. Choose the Right Shelf for your Books Don’t just leave your books in a big pile in your storage unit. Instead, choose a bookshelf made of pre-treated wood or sheet metal to avoid harmful chemicals from leeching into your books. When they’re on their shelf, store them either standing up or stacked on each other. Never store a book with its spine pointing upward, because this can break the book’s hinge and damage it. Books are meant to be stored right-side-up and stacked with other books, storing them this way will prolong their lives. Storage in Mansfield Complementing your Personal Library When you need a safe place to keep your books and other media, consider keeping them in a unit at All American Self Storage’s Mansfield facility. Call or visit this location today to speak with one of our friendly staff members about your self-storage needs. All American Self Storage 50 Wood Avenue Mansfield, MA 02048 (508) 570-5200