Nothing sticky should ever be used in a snake tank. EVER!!!
Books on a lid is not what I would consider the proper method for keeping a lid on. The lid obviously is not correct and you should find a better one that works properly.
Your plan in an earthquake is to go grab your snake? Why not secure the cage the best you can to be earthquake safe and worry about the humans in the house first? What if the quake comes and you are away? All the books will fall off and your snake will be gone. What if the books fall and land on the heat lamp and catch fire? No more snake, no more house, maybe even no more neighbors house.
I don't think books are proper and in your situation I don't feel they are a responsible fix to your issue.
Do it right and if that only cost $20 bucks its a no brainer. I would also stop searching for just a lid and check online for used tanks. You can probably get a gently used sliding top tank for pretty cheap. They work much better than the lay on tops and will give you peace of mind while making your setup more safe and look better.
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