Greenburgh Public Library Blog

The Care and Keeping of Books: Afterlife

     There comes a time in the life of many books when they are done. Their spines have been mended dozens of times and the yellowed glue is cracked and dry. Part or all of their covers are missing. Threading has snapped and brittle, loose pages have fallen out and disappeared. As someone who hates to get rid of a good book, I understand how hard this is. It's one of the most difficult moments for any book lover. It's time to admit that your beloved book needs to be tossed.

     Or...

     It's your chance to give your book a second life as art!

     There are many ways to recycle a book.

• Pages can be turned into a papier-mache sculpture or jewelry. (On the right is my papier- mache sculpture of The Little Prince.)  
• If the covers are in good shape, it can become a box for treasured items, or wall art.
• You can create a collage of your favorite sections.
• Or write blackout poetry
• The possibilities are endless!

     Best of all, your book will have another chance to make you love it!

Here are some books with ideas about upcycling your favorite old books: