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For tears in the paper or dust jacket, use Gaylord or any document repair tape. This is a tissue tape that is peeled from the backing and applied. The instructions are on the box. Wash hands before using and apply very carefully. It only gives you one chance. NEVER use cellophane tape.
For hinge repair, I use Tandy Leather Weld. This is a water-based laminate that is designed for leather to paper, but actually works better from paper to paper and paper to fabric. It is the same pH-balanced adhesive that is sold as archival glue by conservation binders, but is sold by Leather Factory for about half of the price. It is non-toxic, water reversible, and permanently elastic.
For cleaning book surfaces and dust jackets, there are many products out there and many of them don't work. I have tried Lyons dry cleaning pads, Absorene paper and book cleaner (nothing more than wall paper cleaner), and other similar products, and have found that nothing works better than a large, soft eraser. If the cover or dust jacket is mildewed, I use a little common glass cleaner with ammonia on a clean, non-dyed cotton cloth, applying just enough to the rag to barely dampen it. Always try the eraser first. The Absorene or similar products will work on removing coal dust from paper and documents, but a loaf of fresh white bread will also work, and if you buy the cheap stuff, you can clean your books, have a sandwich, and save a little money, too!
School glues are not recommended as they will dry out in just a few months and will leave the hinge cloth brittle. NEVER use rubber cement or glue guns on a book, unless, of course, you don't like the book and wish to destroy it, in which case, I would also suggest cello tape, or even duct tape.
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