Yes, it is generally considered bad practice to fold book pages, as it can cause permanent damage and is often viewed as a form of book abuse by many bibliophiles. This action can strain the book's binding and spine, potentially leading to structural weakening or even breakage.
The Impact of Folding Book Pages
Folding pages, often referred to as "dog-earing," creates permanent creases that detract from a book's aesthetic appeal and can compromise its longevity.
Why Page Folding is Discouraged
- Permanent Damage: Creases from folded pages are difficult, if not impossible, to remove without further damaging the paper. These folds can also lead to tears over time, especially with repeated use.
- Strain on the Binding and Spine: Every fold puts stress on the paper fibers and, more critically, on the entire book's structure. It places undue stress on the binding and spine, potentially leading to breakage and weakening the book's overall structure. This can cause the pages to detach from the spine, shortening the book's lifespan.
- Aesthetic Degradation: For many book lovers, books are objects of beauty and respect. Folding pages diminishes their pristine condition and can reduce their value, particularly for collectors.
- Resale and Lending Value: A book with folded pages is less appealing to others, whether for resale, lending to a friend, or donating to a library.
Understanding Book Health
Books are crafted with attention to their structural integrity. The paper, glue, and binding materials are designed to last if treated with care. Actions like folding pages, forcing books flat, or bending them backwards can compromise this delicate balance. While placing a book fully splayed face up on a surface for a brief moment might be less damaging than folding a page, it's still best to be mindful of the spine and not leave it in that position for extended periods.
Better Ways to Mark Your Place
Instead of damaging your books by folding pages, several gentle and effective methods can be used to keep track of your progress.
| Method | Impact on Book | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Folding Pages | Causes permanent creases, strains spine, reduces value | Strongly Avoid |
| Using a Bookmark | No damage, preserves book's condition | Highly Recommended |
| Splaying Face Up | Minimal strain if brief, but still apply care | Use sparingly and gently, not for long periods |
Effective Alternatives
To preserve your books, consider these practical and simple alternatives:
- Traditional Bookmarks: The most obvious and effective solution. Bookmarks come in various materials (paper, fabric, metal) and can even be a fun accessory. They simply rest between pages without causing any stress.
- Explore different types of bookmarks for inspiration: Bookmark
- Sticky Notes (Flags): For marking specific lines or passages without folding, small, repositionable sticky notes or page flags are excellent. Place them on the edge of the page, ensuring the adhesive is gentle and won't leave residue.
- Memory: If you're only stepping away for a very short time, simply remembering the page number might suffice!
- Digital Notes: For those who prefer to keep their physical books pristine, consider jotting down page numbers or key insights in a separate notebook or a digital note-taking app.
General Book Care Tips
Beyond avoiding page folds, proper book care extends the life and beauty of your collection:
- Store Properly: Keep books upright on shelves, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity.
- Handle with Clean Hands: Oils and dirt from hands can stain pages over time.
- Open Gently: When opening a new or tightly bound book, gently "break" the spine by opening a few pages at a time from the front and back until it opens comfortably.
- Avoid Food and Drink: Spills can cause irreversible damage.
- For more comprehensive advice on preserving your collection, refer to expert guidelines on book care: Caring for Your Books
