Moldy Books
Mold can look fuzzy or slimy when it is active, and powdery or colored when it is inactive. Either type of mold is a danger to library collections and to human health. Mold causes permanent stains and feeds pests such as book lice.
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When you find a book that appears moldy, wrap the book in a plastic bag to contain the mold, and bring the book to the Preservation Department immediately.
Additional instructions are available in the document Preservation Guidelines for Handling Wet and Moldy Books. This document is linked from the Preservation Department home page. Always wash your hands after you have handled a moldy book.
Hint: Sometimes a stain or dirt smudge looks like mold, but is not. If a book has been wet or if it is very dirty, bring it to Preservation for evaluation.
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