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As educators return to school after summer break, they may discover more than empty classrooms and forgotten supplies. A musty smell, warped books, stuck-together pages, and visible mold are signs that items were exposed to moisture. Schools should reconsider simply throwing away materials. Here’s what you can do.

When temperatures drop, archives, libraries, and records storage facilities face hidden risks that extend beyond cold air and low humidity. Frozen pipes and sudden bursts can release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes, threatening the safety of irreplaceable files, books, and archival materials. For organizations responsible for preserving cultural heritage and critical records, a proactive approach to water management can mean the difference between minimal disruption and a devastating loss.

When priceless collections face environmental risk, swift, expert action matters. That’s exactly what the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) needed for its 650,000 books exposed to excessive moisture conditions. In late 2025, CPL embarked on a major initiative at its Lakeshore facility to clean and transport part of their collection to a new, more well-equipped facility. As part of this effort, Polygon was brought in to clean the books and prepare them for transportation.

Arguably, the cornerstone of safeguarding archives and collections lies in prevention, which makes understanding potential threats crucial. This is why The Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian Conservation Institute have compiled a list of the top 10 agents of deterioration, identifying the primary hazards to historical objects. This compilation aims to assist in preventing and protecting valuable collections, whether housed in museums or homes.

As the chill of winter sets in, businesses and organizations face unique challenges in protecting their valuable documents and archives. Learn about winter's risks to your documents and how to apply practical tips for safeguarding them.