F. Stand books upside-down, with covers slightly opened. Place a small alkaline board chip under the front edge to prevent sagging of the text block. G. Change and add dry paper towels frequently, interleaving on different pages each time. Wet paper towels should be removed from the work room. H. Check for signs of mold throughout the entire drying process.
Mold starts on the covers and works inwards.
Damp books are more susceptible to mold than wet ones. In preparation of moving the collection back, clean and disinfect the storage area after the water leak has been repaired and the area is dry. Such cleaning should be done by professionals that understand disinfection methods. When paper and bindings are dry, remove all paper towels and lay the book flat. Apply weight or place in a book press to regain its shape.