Collecting Newspapers
Collecting old, rare and interesting newspapers is one of the most fascinating and perhaps the least known hobby. If you ask what is the use ofcollecting old newspapers, then think again! Newspapers are considered valuable part of history and history is always important to shape our future.
Why is an old newspaper valuable?
An old newspaper is valuable because of its:
- Historic content
- Layout of the paper
- Condition of the paper
- Rarity of the title
Newspapers are history:
You cannot regard stories or events in political, social or cultural spheres that happened in the past as useless and immaterial.Old newspapers help us in reconstructing our past and each single page is newsworthy. As you grow, you will find differences in opinion on perhaps the same topic that was probably discussed some 20 years ago. Newspapers will help you realize how the world changed radically over the years. You will get a chance to understand the concepts discussed in the editorial from a different perspective than when you read it several years ago. You can read and reread stories of valour, courage, honor and life and death. You can read how nations were formed, how they developed and how they faced a downfall.
Educational importance of newspapers:
Newspapers are educational. It is best way to learn about our past. Newspapers provide authentic information, though these days in India many newspapers are influenced by different political parties. You will get to know about your country and global affairs as well.
Newspapers collection can be fun:
Collecting newspapers can be a family hobby. You can lend old newspapers to your children for school projects or read stories of courage or horror to your grandchildren! You can even learn a lot from the lives of others and events of the past.
Newspapers are affordable:
To begin with you can collect newspapers which your parents take everyday. In many book fairs or old book markets and shops, you will find shops selling rare andold newspapers which you buy and preserve it.
How to preserve newspapers:
Newspapers are made of plant-based substances and its enemies are sunlight, heat and humidity. So to preserve its condition, you need an environment that is free of humidity and temperature fluctuations. A cool, dry place in your home is best for your newspapers. You shouldn’t allow your newspapers to come in direct contact with strong air and sunlight but at the same time do not leave them in the attic as there could be humidity in the attic which is harmful for your newspaper. If you want to frame your newspaper, then ensure that acid free material is used and an ultraviolet filtering screen is inserted between them and bright light.