I got a WL book in the mail (1 of 2 from the same sender) that is coming unglued from the cover. All the way around the top of the book, it's no longer glued down to the cover and I can easily pull the cover away to expose the spine of the book. This is a paperback.

The sender is sooo sweet and we have gone back and forth via PMs before she sent them and I feel terribly guilty RWAPing this book on her. I just want to make sure it's indeed an unpostable.

eta - This is what I found in the help docs - is this correct in a match to what I've described?

Binding:

• Must be intact, with no separation on the inside or outside of the book

Thanks!

If the cover is coming off the book then yes it is an unpostable.  It's possible that it happened in transit.  If it had to go through some hot states the glue could have melted. 

The sender did just get back to me and promised it wasn't like that when she wrapped it and guessed it was from the two books rubbing together in transit. We've worked it out, she's awesome. :)

BTW - is there a way to reglue books like this?? I have several books on my shelf that could use glue here and there. Is there a special type of glue that serves this very purpose? That would be wicked cool. (eta - The books needing work on my shelf are on my keeper shelf and not my PBS bookshelf!)

I received a book like this today too, but a hard back, the front cover was seperating at the spine and you can see inside the spine and the netting that helps bind it together. I marked it RWAP, told her the situation, asked for my credit back, she refunded the credit, done deal, no P.M.'s even. Almost like she knew it was damaged before she sent it out, hoping I wouldn't notice it, because there was no dispute, no apology. Just refunded the credit, no questions asked.  Kinda weird, but I'm glad it was resolved quickly. I HATE confrontations!!!! Even when it's not my fault.

Kelly, I bought a Trade pb, new, and when I went to to read it a few months later, the cover completely fell away from the pages!  It's as if the glue failed or disintegrated while the book simply rested on the shelf.  So, I can certainly believe it could happen in transit & I'm glad you & your Sender worked everything out! :)

Maybe she's like me Karen.  I immediately give back the credit if someone RWAP any book I send.  I hate confrontation and I'd rather just give the credit back without any conversation.  I know I send good books but anyone can make a mistake, even me.  It's just easier that way, for me. 

Well, that's true. I shouldn't speculate anything until I know both sides of the story. I've just never had that happen so before, so my mind just get to thinking, I guess. I shouldn't presume anything without knowing the facts. Thanks.

I've had it happen with brand new books I've bought, too.  Usually they are 800 + page mmpb and the glue is obviously not high enough quality to keep the cover attached to the spine.  I haven't fixed mine.  I don't know what kind of glue to use.  I don't think that the tacky craft glue is good enough.

Ruth

google book binder's paste(I bought some once, and it worked like a dream on an elderly copy of Gone with the Wind, that I still have), but of course, I can't find it now, and don't remember the brand or anything helpful like that.

I haven't fixed mine.  I don't know what kind of glue to use.  I don't think that the tacky craft glue is good enough.

http://www.shopbrodart.com/supplies/book-care-and-repair/tape-adhesives-and-removers/_/Brodart-Acid-Free-Bind-Art-Flexible-Adhesive1/

I have a bottle & use it to repair my own books, but I never take the risk of posting things that required any really extensive repairs.

Thanks Kim. I'll check it out!!!

Karen, I forgot to mention, I think shipping direct from Brodart was ridiculous, so I bought mine from an ebay store that sells book binding & repair supplies.  Can't remember the name of the store though...

Brodart is excellent glue. I use it all the time. Used other glue and it did not work as well or as long.. And since they are library books they get alot of punishment.

But if you can get it online from other sources, then you save on shipping.

Long as the glue has the right PH levels. And is non acidic, dries transparent and will remain flexible. Might be worth to try it.

But you only need a tiny amout of the brodart so the 8oz would last a long time for minor repairs.

Can I find this glue anywhere else other than the internet??? A store perhaps, B & N, or Walmart? Just curious.

I've never seen it anywhere but online.

I've only seen broadart online and in specialty art supply stores (not crafts, but stores that sell canvas, huge selections of art paints, chalk, ink, easels, etc.).

I agree that it's perfectly possible for a book to go out pristine and be received with a loose cover - I'm getting way too many of them, and I'm sure it is just because it is so darned hot here (FL). It sometimes happens if I read outside by the pool as well.  I'm almost the penultimate stop on my carrier's route and get mail very late in the day. By the time the books have experienced his truck for a solid day in the sun (locked and with the windows up, I'm sure the temperature exceeds 120), the glue has often given way, and that's not taking into consideration what else they've experienced along the way to me, such as the truck trip to get them local. I haven't RWAPd any, and don't plan to as I have no way of knowing that any were sent out that way, and can't justify penalizing a sender for what is most likely my geographic location and place on the route. During more temperate seasons, I'm a bit more judgmental depending on the remainder of the book and its packaging.