Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: The easiest way I have found to keep softcover books open is to have them ring-bound at a local print shop.

I have this done to all my books that I want to lie flat and stay open at one page, like bird and plant books, computer books and cookbooks.

The print shop can tell you if the paper is too thin or the gutter not wide enough, but most softcover books can be done this way. It’s inexpensive to do, takes only a few minutes and sure saves a lot of frustration. - Elizabeth Kelly, Colorado Springs, Colo.

You are right! We checked in the San Antonio area and it can cost under $5. Of course, prices vary depending on how many pages and if you want a cover. Call a print shop close to you and check it out.

You’re a smart cookie. Thanks for writing. - Heloise