Is it me, or should Glade make an old book scented air freshener?

One of the things that I love the most about books is the smell. My son also has an appreciation for this ambrosia, and drops by my place to get his fix. I don't know what it is, but I love the smell of old books!

Love this idea!

I wonder, if we knew what the smell actually was, whether we'd still like it? Old paper? aging glue? Some sort of special book mold? I'm going to have to Google this now to see if anyone has actually figured it out! :-)

I've gotten my fair share of strange looks from people in second-hand bookshops when I've put my nose right up to the spine of a book I'm considering buying and given it a good sniff. You can tell 'healthy' from 'ill', sometimes, by doing that.

Of course I also open a book to about 45° and peer down through the spine to get a feel if the binding is strong, and (which can be scary) if there is anything moving about of its own volition down there!

I think that the aroma which we might be aiming for is the smell of the second-hand bookshop as a whole. This may, or may not, include the slightly unwashed scent of the proprietor!

For what it is worth, CB I Hate Perfume makes a scent called "In The Library". I don't know how it actually smells, but the description sounds delicious:

In the Library is a warm blend of English Novel*, Russian & Moroccan Leather Bindings, Worn Cloth and a hint of Wood Polish

*The main note in this scent was copied from one of my favorite novels originally published in 1927. I happened to find a signed first edition in pristine condition many years ago in London. I was more than a little excited because there were only ever a hundred of these in the first place. It had a marvelous warm woody slightly sweet smell and I set about immediately to bottle it.

I take fresh lavender from my bush place between several sections, enclosed in a paper bag for a few weeks or days (depending on how strong the scent is) and also air it outside on patio in shade so it will not fade.

Demeter also makes Paperback:

A trip to your favorite library or used bookstore. Sweet and lovely with just a touch of the musty smell of aged paper, Demeter's Paperback harnesses that scent with a sprinkling of violets and a dash of tasteful potpourri.

I have not smelled this particular Demeter fragrance, but I have owned and sampled a number of others, including Cinnamon Bun, Pumpkin Pie, Thunderstorm, and Dirt, and can vouch that they are exceptionally realistic (for better and for worse). Paperback is available not only as a cologne spray, but also as room spray, lotion, bath gel, and massage oil. :D

WOW, glad to see some interest in this subject. This was my first post and I did it tongue in cheek. My kid's have tried for some time to get me into a Kindle. I've resisted this every time and tried to explain that there is something that borders on reverent about the feel, weight, and smell of a good book that can not be duplicated by an electronic device. Sounds like I'm not the only one that feels that way. THANK YOU!!