The shelves should at the same time be taken down and cleaned thoroughly.
Don't hold a book by one of its covers.
Don't pile up books very high.
Don't rub dust into them instead of rubbing it off.
Don't wedge books tightly into the shelves.
Those who use a public library are all desirous that its books be clean and neat, and with a little encouragement will take pretty good care of them.

There are exceptions, of course, and especially among the children.

These must be looked after and reasoned with.
Don't cover your books.

The brown paper cover is an insult to a good book, a reproach to every reader of it, an incentive to careless handling, and an expense without good return.
A few simple rules like the following can be brought in an unobtrusive way to the attention of those who use the library.

Always be sure that the library sets a good example in its handling of books.
Keep books dry.
Do not handle them when the hands are moist; of course never when the hands are soiled.
Use them to read, and for nothing else.
Never mark in them.
Do not turn down their pages.
Do not lay them face downwards.
Do not strap them up tightly.
Never let them fall.
Open them gently.
The book you are reading will go to others.