He notes the tone and smiles a bit more in return - it's a very good sign that he'll be welcome here, if he can deliver on his intentions. "To begin with, cleaning rags and a few buckets of soap and water. I will also require pens, ink, and paper to begin with catalogue work. No doubt glue for binding and leather and cloth for repairs will be necessary, but there will be no rush on that until the initial cleaning is complete."

Yes, he has his work cut out for him, and even having a basic plan in place has him thinking of how to proceed. Perhaps this is a place he can settle in to.