Library Knot Instructions
Tying with the library knot is a versatile and gentle way to secure materials that are fragile.
It may also be used to tie intact materials, and, though the instructions show a bound volume, tying with the library knot is a standard way to bundle serial issues or multi-volume monographs together.
- PLEASE NOTE: Extremely fragile or brittle material should NOT be tied but should be contained in folders or envelopes instead.
- For best results, use a soft, medium weight string or cotton tying tape.
- The instructions assume the string or tying tape is coming from a spool. If the string or tying tape has already been cut from the spool, ignore the cutting portion of Step 5.c.
Step 1. Begin by pulling 3-4 feet of string off of your ball or spool. Double over about 3-4 inches of string.
Step 2. Form an overhand knot and pull it tight, leaving a moderate sized loop.
Step 3.a. Reach through the loop and grasp the string or tying tape leading back to the ball or spool.
Step 3.b. Pull the string or tying tape up through the loop until you have created a noose, as shown in the illustrations.
Step 4. Slip the noose around the narrow dimension of the volume, keeping it midway between the top and bottom edges.
Step 5.a. Position the knotted loop at the center of the cover.
Step 5.b. Pull the string snugly around the middle of the volume, then wrap the string around the volume vertically, going over the top and coming up from the bottom.
DO NOT PULL THE STRING so tight that it tears the pages or causes the material to curl.
Step 5.c. Cut the string about 2-3″ above the top edge of the book.
SOME NOTES OF CAUTION:
- If the material is fragile or brittle, wrap the string loosely, so as not to inflict any damage to the material. Keep the string just taut enough to prevent the item from falling out of the string.
- To protect fragile edges, paper sheaths may be placed around the volume in areas that will come in contact with the string.
- Remember: EXTREMELY fragile or brittle material should NOT be tied but should be contained in folders or envelopes instead.
Step 6. Begin tying the actual library knot by laying the string coming up from the bottom of the volume on top of the loop as shown, so the vertical and horizontal portions of the string intersect at the loop.
Step 7. Slip the free end of the string UNDERNEATH the Upper Vertical part of the string.
Step 8. Lay the free end of the string ON TOP OF the Right Horizontal part of the string.
Step 9. Bring the free end of the string UNDERNEATH the Lower Vertical part of the string. Pull the string or tying tape snug, NOT TIGHT.
Step 10.a. Continue bringing the free end of the string around until it is once again lying on top of the loop.
Step 10.b. Then lay the loose end of the string ON TOP OF the Upper Vertical part of the string.
Step 11. Make a fold in the free end of the string as shown, and pull the fold under the Upper Vertical part of the string.
Step 12. Pull the fold through the space formed by the looped string, then pull down and to the side to tighten the knot. Leave a segment of string free as shown in the right-hand drawing.
To untie the knot, simply pull on the free end of the string.
Acknowledgement:
James C. Dast, retired Head of the Conservation Lab in Memorial Library, wrote and illustrated these instructions and graciously allowed their use and modification for this web page.