How do you preserve a library in a climate with high humidity. Any anti-silverfish etc. remedies?

Answer 1

Keep books with air space all around them. Do not shove them clear to the back of the bookshelf.

Get some Silica Sand from a craft store, put it in "bean bag" type pockets and scatter them among the books. Silica sand absorbs moisture and can be dried out in a slow oven for reuse a number of times.

Answer 2

Well you have seem to have three issues.
1. you have a library, archive situation
2. you have a high humidity climate
3. you have bugs

1 and 2 can be dealt with through installing some special mechanical equipment to condition the air where you books are kept. This will cost significant money. Or you can store your books in a climate controlled rental facility.

Number three is tricky. Bugs are going to thrive wherever there is food and water- which means if you live in a high humidity climate, there's not much you can do besides remove water and food from contained areas. This can be done with mechanical equipment and as a last resort, some pesticide. If you go the pesticide route go to a professional pesticide supply store, get all pets and living things out of the house before applying any poisons, clean up thoroughly before bringing any living things back.

Good luck

Answer 3

A dehumidifier could control the humidity, and perhaps help with the bug problem. If heat from the dehumidifier causes a problem, you could keep the removed water in the room until it warms up.