Board books hold a special place in many parents’ hearts. These chunky, durable books allow little ones to explore stories without destroying the pages. But constant chewing, throwing, and rough treatment can still take a toll. Ripped pages, cracked spines, and loose covers mean it’s time for some board book TLC.
With a few basic supplies and these step-by-step instructions, you can return cherished board books to circulation in no time. Best of all, preventative reinforcement can significantly extend your books’ lifespan. As a professional board book printing manufacturer, I will share some professional techniques librarians use to salvage well-loved board books.
How to Fix a Board Book
Assess the Damage
Before attempting repairs, carefully inspect your book’s condition. Pay special attention to:
- Detached pages – Are interior pages coming loose? This may require gluing them back into place.
- Spine damage – Check if the spine cover is split or detached. These issues can cause misalignment.
- Loose covers – See if the front and back covers remain securely fastened. You may need to reinforce hinges.
- Page tears – Small tears may need mending to avoid further ripping.
Tip: Photograph damage before and after repairs to monitor your handiwork.
Thoroughly dust jacket and pages with a clean, dry cloth. Carefully remove any debris or crumbs trapped in hinges before proceeding.
Gather Your Supplies
Arm yourself with a basic board book repair kit containing:
- White glue or adhesive (non-toxic; PVA glue works well)
- Small paintbrush for applying glue
- Bamboo skewers for keeping book tightly pressed
- Rubber bands or bulldog clips for securing book
- Clear packing tape or specialreinforcement tape
- Sharp scissors
- Ruler
- Pencils for burnishing
- Clean cloths
Optional: Fine grit sandpaper, bookbinding thread/needle
Reattach Loose Pages
Gently flex detached pages to open a small gap, applying glue along the loose edge using a small brush or toothpick. Quickly slide page back into place, lining up edges smoothly without smearing glue elsewhere.
Tip: Place waxed paper beneath page as you work to keep interior clean.
Align book covers flat. Wrap rubber bands snugly lengthwise and widthwise around book, allowing glue to thoroughly dry overnight before removing bands. Carefully sand down uneven glue bumps if necessary, then wipe debris away.
Mend Spine Splits
For thick vertical splits, lift flap edges and apply thin glue line just inside spine edge. Allow page flaps to fall back into place naturally. Wrap rubber bands tightly around width of book to hold tightly as glue dries, checking alignment.
Deep splits may require “casting” spine so it dries flat:
- Lay book covers open flat. Place bamboo skewers along cover hinge creases.
- Generously apply white glue between skewers, coating spine covering.
- Close book gently but firmly over skewers, aligning pages. Allow glue to slightly ooze from center.
- Wrap rubber bands around width of closed book, placing atop skewers to hold firmly in position overnight while glue hardens.
Patch Loose Cover Hinges
Over time, board book covers fatigue along hinges from frequent opening and closing. Prevent detached covers with strategic reinforcement:
- Cut two pieces of clear packing tape slightly longer than hinge edge. Round tape corners.
- Adhere one piece of tape just inside cover, bordering interior hinge crease.
- Smooth second piece along back cover hinge, extending tape just over page edges.
Doubled hinge tape keeps covers firmly bound without restricting flexibility.
Mend Page Tears
Minor page rips and splits can quickly expand under toddler wear and tear. Halt advancing damage immediately through prompt mending:
- Slide torn page edge together, aligning any images. Apply thin glue line just inside tear.
- Smooth page flat, protecting interior pages with waxed paper underneath, and place under weight (books work well) until fully dry.
If white glue proves too visible, try archival-quality mending tissue and wheat or rice starch paste for a reversible, less conspicuous repair.
Protect Vulnerable Areas
You can’t control a toddler’s chewing instincts. But strategic protection preserves board books for generations of young readers. Target vulnerable spots by:
- Taping page corners
- Covering corners with acid-free cardstock
- Laminating covers
- Adding plastic coverings
With time and creativity, you can devise custom shields for frequently attacked areas.
Routinely Inspect and Refresh
To board books, love often looks destructive. Continual repairs keep them circulating despite their audience’s best efforts. Schedule periodic maintenance checks, refreshing worn tape, tightening loose pages, and noting new damage. Remember:
- Carefully supervise playtime book interactions
- Redirect chewing or destructive behaviors
- Demonstrate proper care and handling
- Store books out of reach when unattended
With prompt repairs, protective measures, and patience, board books can survive hundreds of readings to delight countless toddlers yet to come. Just don’t forget the love and sentimentality binding it all together.
Tips to Prevent Board Book Damage
An ounce of board book damage prevention outweighs a pound of repairs. Here are simple everyday habits to help your books last:
- Apply transparent contact paper or vinyl wraps to vulnerable areas.
- Keep books out of reach when not in supervised use.
- Limit number of books accessed simultaneously.
- Model proper gentle treatment and turning of pages.
- Store upright, supported neatly on shelves.
- Dust jackets regularly with a dry cloth.
- Check for damage after each use.
- Refresh repairs before damage worsens.
With proper precautions, even well-loved board books can endure story time enjoyment for years.