Paperback books get mistreated. It bothered me to spend library funds on paperbacks, when I knew how mistreated they were and that their shelf-life is relatively short. A library aide at another campus shared her method of prolonging the life of paperbacks and I haven't looked back since.
You will need scissors, a book, roll of transparent contact paper, and a food scraper. I roughly measure out the contact paper to fit the book and cut it.
Partially peel the backing from the contact paper. Place the contact paper slightly over the edge of the book cover. Use the food scraper to smooth out any are bubbles and adhere the contact paper to the book cover.
At each corner, cut diagonally across the contact paper. Also cut diagonally at each corner nearest the spine. Then fold over each flap onto the inside cover of the book. Use the food scraper to smooth about any air bubbles and adhere the contact paper.
Finish peeling the backing from the contact paper and cover the spine and opposite cover with the contact paper. Repeat the above steps. Finally, trim the excess flaps at the top and bottom of the book's spine.
Library vendors such as Demco and the Library Store sell individually cut-self adhesive book covers if you have the budget for them. They are definitely a time saver and easier to use, but I still use both materials depending on the size of the book that needs covering.
Hope this helps protect your paperbacks!
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