singapore is slowly eating my books

[jlundberg]

Comments

[asakiyume]

Might something like those little packages of desiccant that they love to include in packages of crackers in Japan help? It's rough; my husband has that problem with mildew with books and papers in our basement. It's been somewhat better with a dehumidifier running down there, but I'm not sure there's a dehumidifier built that could tackle Singapore's humidity!

[jlundberg]

I could try the little desiccant packets; they certainly couldn't hurt. The problem with using a humidifier is that the books are all in one location; they're all over the flat. Plus, we keep the windows open almost all the time, which would make this even more difficult.

[peteyoung]

I have an identical problem here in Bangkok. I wasn't aware of it when I shipped hundreds of books here from the UK, and I have hundreds more to come. Perhaps we should ask Somtow how he deals with it. Some of my more valuable and rare books (such as all my PKD first editions) I've taken to wrapping in clear plastic bags to protect them.

But like you say, it's also a good lesson in non-attachment.

[jlundberg]

I know that clingwrap or plastic bags are a good preventative measure, but sadly I'm past this stage now.

[jlundberg]

Thanks, Jason. It does break my heart a bit to see such ruination.

[demonsismondo]

Keeping the books in a closed and air conditioned room goes a long way toward solving this problem. I don't know how feasible that is at your place, though.

[jlundberg]

Yeah, that really won't work in our flat, man. We keep the windows open almost all the time and only run the aircon when we need it; it's too expensive otherwise.

[desayunoencama]

Abrazos.
Tough situation.

[jlundberg]

Thanks, Lawrence.