Book Repair for Booksellers
- by Susan Halas
The pop up Sherlock magnifier has a built in light.
Small and Select
The end notes to her repair book also gives links and contact information for multiple vendors of binding and archival supply houses such as Broadart and University Products. While those larger companies have a very wide selection of special purpose items, her own Sic Press site is often handier and more convenient. The SicPress.com inventory is much smaller but it’s tested, select, and likely to be just what today’s bookseller needs. This writer, for instance, couldn’t resist the Sherlock pop-up magnifier as seen on the BBC show of the same name, compact size with AAA batteries included for $9+ plus shipping.
Book Deodorizer
In addition to her repair book, perhaps her most notable product is a book deodorizer she invented or perhaps more accurately adapted to books. “You can get it in other places,” she said, “even in England, but they all buy it from me.”
The deodorizer is made of small organically based inert granules that look like brown couscous that remove odors from books. According to the website they absorb moisture and odors and can be used to treat books, papers, clothing or other inanimate objects. The American made product also removes cigarette smoke, mildew odors, and general mustiness. This product is priced from $25 for one pound to $200 for twenty five pounds + shipping.
Erasers for every need and purpose
Godsey said her other proprietary products are her ink erasers, but she also offers other kinds of erasers in multiple sizes, shapes and grades for every need. The good thing about erasers is used properly they can really clean an old book up and make it ready to sell. And indeed the eraser page is filled with testimonials from book dealers testifying to their efficacy.
“But,” comments Godsey, “they last forever, so it’s a long time between reorders.”
Contact info:
SicPrss.com
14 Pleasant St.
Methuen, MA 01844
Tel: 978-918-6031
Email sales@sicpress.com
Website www.sicpress.com