TOOLS
Folders
Several binder's bone folders, costing fifteen cents each, should be kept in the binding department.
Knives
A long knife, broad at the point, thin-bladed but dull, is needed for cutting paper after it is folded and for various other uses. A sharp, pointed knife is needed for removing books from the covers, or old labels from the back.
Scissors
Long, thin-bladed, best quality.
Needles
Regular book-sewing needles.
Hammer
A broad-faced hammer may be required for beating down the backs of sections, or the entire book when it is difficult to replace it in its old cover.
Books wet with paste or glue must be pressed. An old-fashioned letter-press which screws down by hand will answer all purposes in a small library. As they are now out-of-date, second-hand ones can be purchased for a small sum. There are one or two inexpensive small presses which are not so heavy as the letter-press, but which hold a larger number of books and are fairly satisfactory. The most satisfactory press is a stationary one which holds a number of books and which will exert great pressure. On account of lack of space and the cost it is inadvisable to use this in a mending room, and makeshifts are generally necessary.
Press-board
A few press-boards with projections which will fit into the joints of books may be necessary. They may be obtained from any dealer in binders' supplies.
Sewing Bench
If any resewing is done a sewing bench is a necessity. Ordinarily books needing resewing should be sent to the bindery.
Glue-pot
A double-boiler glue-pot is a necessity if recovering or recasing is to be done. It should be kept clean.
Brushes
A long-handled, small-sized brush with soft bristles will be used for pasting, while glue will require a large, round brush such as is commonly used in binderies.
Pasting Machine
A good pasting machine will cost about ten dollars, but it is a great time saver. There are several on the market. In the Wilmington Library the "Universal" is used and gives satisfaction in all cases when a machine can be used.
Cutting-Board
A small-sized cutting-board, such as is used by photographers, is useful in the mending room as well as in other parts of the library.