collectors' site which calls the preferred method "shucking." open the book, grab the two pieces of cardboard with the matches and pull the two pieces slowly apart. The staple just comes out without damaging the matchbook. I read this, tried it and it was successful with five or six matchbooks. I don't know if it always works, so I can't guarantee it. I would suggest doing a search online about matchbook shucking and see what they suggest. It worked for me. For what it's worth, I only tried it on pretty new books. I imagine older books use thicker staples.

Michael Siskin