Hello ladies and gents. What strange times we’re living in! You obviously don’t need me to tell you why, and you definitely don’t need me repeating advice on ways to stay germ-free. With all the quarantining and social distancing going on, it’s likely you’ll have more time on your hands to read. So if you are catching up on the TBR pile, I have a few ways of staying hygienic whilst reading. Read on to learn ways of staying safe while handling your books. I also have some very useful information for you at the end of this post so please stay with me until the very end.
You may also want to read: Smash Your Reading Goals on a Budget
1. Get an e-reader. Not only does a Kindle or an e-reader allow you to download books for much cheaper, but their plastic shell also allows for easy cleaning. Make sure you have your antibacterial wipes or spray at hand to give them a good wipedown every so often!
2. Avoid the library. I know I have spoken more than once about the benefits of visiting the library but these are special circumstances. The library is a bedrock for germs. All that touching, all that coughing all that sneezing. Yuck! I’d say avoid the library altogether. But if you can’t, take a pair of disposable gloves with you!
3. Stop licking your fingers! People who lick their finger before turning the page gross me out! (Sorry). If this is your habit stop now. I don’t need to explain why.
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4. Order books online. Get your new books delivered to you so you don’t have to go out and get them. To be extra safe, sanitise the books with wipes when they arrive or leave the package somewhere in the house for up to 72 hours before handling it. (This is the longest time it is thought coronavirus can survive on surfaces). You can also even leave a note for the driver to just knock the door and leave the package on the doorstep.
5. Read book blogs. Watch ‘booktube’. Catch up with your favourite books by following book blogs and book YouTubers. The good thing with this is that there’s no handling of books involved. Just remember to give your computer or phone a good wipe whilst you watch and read!
Here are some suggestions of book bloggers, ‘booktubers’ and other book-related posts.
How else are you staying hygienic while handling your books? Let me know.
I pray you and your loved ones are keeping safe, not giving in to the hysteria and are practising self-care. Please refrain from hoarding, sharing unverified information on socials and making unnecessary trips. I am hopeful we’ll come out of this uncertain time together.
If you live in the UK then you have probably experienced the difficulty in purchasing normal household items such as hand wash, hand sanitiser, wipes and tissues. If you’re running low on hand sanitiser here is a simple recipe for making your own.
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1 part aloe vera gel (either extract from the leaf or buy the gel)
2 parts rubbing alcohol
A few drops of essential oil (any of your choice) for fragrance.
Mix all the ingredients together, very well and transfer to a clean airtight container
