What is the recommended temperature range for storing books?

What is the recommended temperature range for storing books?

• A. 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit
• B. 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit
• C. 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit
• D. 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit

Answer: (C)

Books stay in better condition when kept at a moderate, steady temperature. The range of 60-70°F slows the chemical processes that cause paper to become brittle, inks to fade, and bindings to weaken, without inviting problems that come with heat or the rapid changes that cold can bring. Higher temperatures, like 80-90°F, speed deterioration and can encourage mold if humidity is present. Much cooler temperatures, such as 20-30°F or 40-50°F, are outside the ideal balance and can make materials more susceptible to damage from brittleness or condensation when moved to warmer spaces. So, 60-70°F is the best target for preserving books over time.

Books stay in better condition when kept at a moderate, steady temperature. The range of 60-70°F slows the chemical processes that cause paper to become brittle, inks to fade, and bindings to weaken, without inviting problems that come with heat or the rapid changes that cold can bring. Higher temperatures, like 80-90°F, speed deterioration and can encourage mold if humidity is present. Much cooler temperatures, such as 20-30°F or 40-50°F, are outside the ideal balance and can make materials more susceptible to damage from brittleness or condensation when moved to warmer spaces. So, 60-70°F is the best target for preserving books over time.