A book lover known online as JR has voiced a common frustration with major retailers like Waterstones and independent shops: the dreaded promotional sticker. The grievance centres on buy-one-get-one-half-price stickers placed directly onto book covers, which customers are expected to peel off without damaging the book.
Sticky situation for book buyers
JR, who admitted to being addicted to collecting Waterstones reward stamps, said the issue had finally got to him. He explained that the stickers are applied to the cover and that removing them often leaves behind residue or ruins the cover.
"To be fair to you, it's not just you. It's all bookstores," JR shared. "If this sticker gets removed, I promise you, the book cover will be ruined."
Fearing the sticky residue – or "nasty stuff" – would ruin his new purchases, he joked that he would just leave it on and let everyone know he had scored a bargain.
Readers share solutions
Fellow readers flooded the comments with their own experiences. One confirmed the fear: "Can confirm that stupid little sticker ruined my sprayed edge copy of Blood Over Bright Haven." Others offered practical advice. One bookseller chimed in: "Dude, you can ask your bookseller to remove it for you, we are happy to help! We don’t have a choice; we are told the stickers need to go on the books." Another reader suggested using alcohol wipes to dissolve any leftover gunk.
When contacted, Waterstones clarified that their stickers use a specific, easily peelable glue designed to leave no residue behind. If a customer has trouble removing a sticker or, in a rare event, a book is damaged, they encourage readers to reach out to their customer service team for assistance.
Tips for keeping books pristine
Alongside the discussion, practical tips were shared for keeping books in good condition. Books should stand vertically and completely upright, as leaning causes the spine to twist and the binding to warp over time. Sturdy bookends can keep them snug but not crushed together.
Oversized or heavy hardcovers, such as art or coffee-table books, are best stored flat, as the weight of the pages could pull them away from the spine if stood upright. Books should not be packed so tightly that they are hard to remove; you should be able to slide a finger over the top edge of the spine to gently pull it forward.
Never force a book open 180 degrees or lay it face-down open on a table, as this cracks the glue in the spine. Use thin paper bookmarks or ribbons instead of thick objects like pens or remotes, which can stretch the binding. Washing hands before handling books helps prevent page yellowing and smudged covers, as natural oils and dirt are main culprits.
Direct sunlight should be avoided, as UV rays can bleach covers and cause pages to yellow and turn brittle. Regular dusting with a dry microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush helps prevent deterioration, as dust absorbs moisture from the air.
