I want to look after my Bible (not pictured). So between Google, Bible Design Blog, NLTSB online and a few other places i've compiled a few tips.
I freely admit that some may seem a bit overboard, but hey i count it as an important book and want to treat it as such.
Use is different than abuse.
There's nothing nicer than a used Bible. All Bibles will (& should) look used, so why not invest in a quality bound Bible (so you can trust that the cover isn't going to fall off in a years time) and just use it.
This doesn't mean we throw it about, use it as a coaster for our starbucks or let our toddlers use them to ease their teething pain. But damage caused by regular use brings a certain beauty & isn't something to stress over.
Bag, Case or cover.
Any of these may be a great aid, but personally i think it's a bit girly (esp cloth covers), so guys using covers should be slapped around the head with them and told to man up.
Use it.
In the case of leather bound Bibles it is said that the oils from our hands keep the leather supple & actually nourishes the leather fibers, so holding and using your Bible is the best way to look after its cover.
Know where it is.
Obviously a lost Bible could be accidentally damaged, used for colouring by a child or chewed by a pet. Habitually keeping it, &/or taking mental note of where you set it is of great value. A friend of mine, while using his new Bible at work set a tape gun on it & lost Genesis ch6-7 as a result.
Don't drop your Bible.
Dropping any book will loosen the binding & has obvious risks of damage.
Keep it dry.
Unless you have the waterproof Bible humidity will cause obvious harm.
Use proper pens.
Most people highlight, underline & scribble notes. Only use ballpoint, pencil or pens specifically designed for the purpose. Oft times the Bible is printed on thin paper so bleed through is a huge risk.
Keep at average temperature.
Heat will dry out the leather or soften the glue. Cold will harden the glue used to bind it. Hardened glue will crack the next time you go to read it and pages may come lose.
Break it in.
In the case of a new Bible a ruffle through its pages and making the spine more flexible can actually go a long way in protecting your Bible. Don't ask me how or why, but it's fun - although if you go too rough you may have to return it to the shop.
Cleaning.
To clean the cover use a dry or damp, soft cloth avoiding (if possible) the use of soap or cleaning agents. Dry immediately.
Wash your hands.
Grease from food, or dirt on our fingers may transfer over to the Bible as we read. So it may be a good idea to wash & dry our hands before reading.
Don't add to it's pages.
Stuffing bulletins, tracts etc between its pages will eventually cause the binding to loosen up.
Unfold curled pages.
Everyone experiences a few curled corners in their Bible. Left unchecked over time, these can actually lead to a rip.
Don't Bend it.
While quality binding permits us to be a bit more flexible in opening its pages, it is good practice not to open it so that the covers meet. Opening it so it is flat is the best option and puts less strain on the binding.
