Many families treasure an old Bible that belonged to a parent or grandparent, full of underlined verses, notes and dates. Others buy used Bibles that need a little love. Bible paper is thin and bindings take a lot of wear, so a few simple habits can keep a Bible usable for decades.
Everyday care
- Store it upright or flat, never leaning at an angle on a shelf, which twists the spine.
- Keep it away from damp and direct sunlight. Humidity encourages mould and makes pages wavy; sunlight fades covers and makes paper brittle. In humid parts of India, a dry cupboard with good air circulation is best.
- Don't overstuff it. Too many papers, bulletins and cards inside the Bible strain the binding.
- Use a Bible cover or case if you carry it every day.
- Turn pages from the top corner, gently.
- Wash and dry your hands before reading, especially with old Bibles — oils and moisture mark thin paper.
Breaking in a new Bible gently
When you open a brand-new Bible, lay it on its spine and open a few pages at the front and back alternately, pressing gently, working towards the middle. This "relaxes" the binding evenly and helps prevent cracks.
Dealing with common problems
Dust and dirt
Use a soft, dry brush or cloth on the cover and page edges. For leather covers, a small amount of leather conditioner applied with a soft cloth keeps the leather supple — test on a hidden area first. Never use water or household cleaners on pages.
Musty smell or slight dampness
Stand the Bible upright, open slightly with the pages fanned, in a dry, shaded, airy place for a day or two. Don't use a hair dryer or direct sun — heat can warp and damage paper.
Mould spots
If you see mould, keep the Bible away from other books to stop it spreading. Light surface mould on the cover can sometimes be brushed off outdoors with a soft brush once dry. Serious mould on pages is best left to a professional, and handle it carefully.
Torn pages
Use archival document repair tape (acid-free), not ordinary cellophane tape, which yellows and damages paper over time. Align the tear carefully and apply a thin strip.
Loose pages
A single loose page can be reattached with a thin line of acid-free, PVA-type bookbinding glue along the inner edge, then held in place with paper and a light weight until dry.
A cracked spine or detached cover
This is the most common problem with well-used Bibles. Small cracks can be reinforced with bookbinding tape on the inside hinge. If the cover has come away or the book block is falling apart, consider professional rebinding. A bookbinder can rebind a treasured family Bible in new leather while keeping the original pages — a lovely way to preserve a family heirloom.
Writing in your Bible
Many Christians love to underline and make notes. To protect thin pages:
- use pencils, crayons or special "Bible highlighters" that don't bleed through;
- avoid felt-tip pens and liquid highlighters;
- test a pen on the back page first.
Preserving family records
Old family Bibles often contain records of births, marriages, baptisms and deaths. Photograph these pages and keep digital copies, and consider writing a note explaining who the people were for future generations.
When it's time for a new Bible
Sometimes a Bible is too fragile for daily use. Keep the old one safe as a treasure, and buy a new or good-condition used Bible for everyday reading. Read our used Bible checklist for what to look for.
Browse our used KJV, new Bibles and pre-owned unused collections.