Sign in with Facebook
Hide a Book with Goodreads on September 18th (with Updates)
-Hazel, The Fault in Our Stars
You have (at least!) one. That favorite book you recommend over and over again. You love it, and you want the rest of the world to experience it. Now's your chance to make that happen.
This year, as part of our Ten-Year Anniversary Celebration, Goodreads is teaming up with our fellow book lovers at The Book Fairies for a special Hide a Book Day on Monday, September 18.
Who exactly are The Book Fairies? They're readers who hide books around the world for people to find, read, and pass on. Anyone can take part. There are currently over 5,000 Book Fairies sharing books in 100 countries—one of them is Emma Watson, who has hidden copies of her Our Shared Shelf book club's picks in Paris, London, and New York City.
Join us on Monday, September 18 in hiding our favorite books for other readers to find and enjoy. Don't forget to ask a friend to do it, too! Here's everything you need to know to get involved.
Book Fairy Emma Watson hides
copies of The Handmaid's Tale in Paris.
Select Your Favorite Books
We know this is easier said than done. Take your time browsing your own shelves. What book would you want an unsuspecting passerby to discover? Will it be a beloved classic or an irresistible bestseller?
Order Your Stickers
We have custom Goodreads and Book Fairies stickers to put on the covers of each of your hidden books. Order them here! Update: Unfortunately, it is now unlikely that you would get your stickers in time for the official date (The Book Fairies are based in the UK). Some people are making their own bookmarks, and you're welcome to use our downloadable note, too.
Find Your Perfect Hiding Spot
Where will you hide your books? Keep the weather in mind for any outdoor locations (soggy books are sad books) and remember that the books should be hidden…but not too hidden (abandoned books are the saddest). Some of our favorite hiding spots: train and bus stations, national monuments and museums, and parks.
Share Your Books
Once you've hidden a book, take a picture and share it with your fellow Goodreads members and Book Fairies on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the hashtags #goodreadsturns10, #hideabookday, #ibelieveinbookfairies.
Decisions, decisions… What book will you leave for other readers to find on September 18?
We hope you'll join us on Monday, September 18. RSVP to our Facebook event here and invite your friends to participate! Invite your friends to participate and tell us what book you want to hide in the comments!
UPDATE: We can't wait to celebrate our inaugural Hide a Book Day with you on Monday, September 18! It's been wonderful seeing everyone's enthusiasm for the event and we look forward to seeing which books you share with the world in your social media posts—don't forget to use the following hashtags: #goodreadsturns10 #hideabookday and #ibelieveinbookfrairies.
Several commenters have suggested including a note with the book. To make things easier, we've created a simple note you can download, add a personal message to, and sign. (Of course, you can just use the note as it is too.) You can download it here.
Since we're a few days away, we've provided answers for some of your burning questions…
Q: "I would love to participate, but I don't think many people in Peru are going to participate."
A: We'd love for you to be the first! And who knows, you may find there are others hiding books too. We're seeing comments from people all around the world.
Q: "I love this idea and I would love to participate, but September 18th is a Monday and I have school. Is September 18th the only day we can do this?"
A: Monday, September 18th is the official event day, but you can still participate at a time or day that works for you. It's absolutely fine to go one day early or wait until the next weekend.
Q: "Where should I hide my book? Any suggestions?"
A: Chief Book Fairy Cordelia recommends interesting statues and monuments, as well as doorways, sheltered benches, and shopping centers. She says, "The list goes on and you can get really creative." The main thing is to choose somewhere people walk by often and that the book is still easy to find. And don't forget to keep the book out of the rain—some people are going to use a clear plastic bag as an extra precaution.
Q: "Is this a US-only type thing? I'm not sure if I ordered stickers today they'd get here in time."
A: This event is for everyone in all countries! That being said, it is now unlikely that you would get your stickers in time for the official date (The Book Fairies are based in the UK). Some people are making their own bookmarks, and you're welcome to use our downloadable note, too.
Q: "So, I have to get rid of my favorite book? What's up with that? I like my books. Or do we buy a new one to do this with?"
A: You don't have to buy a new book for this event, but you certainly can—after all, we know how hard it is to part with a favorite book. Whether it's new or used, just share a book you think another reader would love! It's all up to you!
Several commenters have suggested including a note with the book. To make things easier, we've created a simple note you can download, add a personal message to, and sign. (Of course, you can just use the note as it is too.) You can download it here.
Since we're a few days away, we've provided answers for some of your burning questions…
Q: "I would love to participate, but I don't think many people in Peru are going to participate."
A: We'd love for you to be the first! And who knows, you may find there are others hiding books too. We're seeing comments from people all around the world.
Q: "I love this idea and I would love to participate, but September 18th is a Monday and I have school. Is September 18th the only day we can do this?"
A: Monday, September 18th is the official event day, but you can still participate at a time or day that works for you. It's absolutely fine to go one day early or wait until the next weekend.
Q: "Where should I hide my book? Any suggestions?"
A: Chief Book Fairy Cordelia recommends interesting statues and monuments, as well as doorways, sheltered benches, and shopping centers. She says, "The list goes on and you can get really creative." The main thing is to choose somewhere people walk by often and that the book is still easy to find. And don't forget to keep the book out of the rain—some people are going to use a clear plastic bag as an extra precaution.
Q: "Is this a US-only type thing? I'm not sure if I ordered stickers today they'd get here in time."
A: This event is for everyone in all countries! That being said, it is now unlikely that you would get your stickers in time for the official date (The Book Fairies are based in the UK). Some people are making their own bookmarks, and you're welcome to use our downloadable note, too.
Q: "So, I have to get rid of my favorite book? What's up with that? I like my books. Or do we buy a new one to do this with?"
A: You don't have to buy a new book for this event, but you certainly can—after all, we know how hard it is to part with a favorite book. Whether it's new or used, just share a book you think another reader would love! It's all up to you!
Comments Showing 51-100 of 429 (429 new)
This is an excellent idea!! I will have to remember the date! :)
Love this idea! I bought the stickers & am organizing my online book club (which reads books from other countries) to take part. Side note: I do agree with others that having a (paid) electronic format would be helpful in the future as well.
I don't like having to pay but I'm in! I just bought a pack.
I love this idea and I would love to participate, but September 18 is a Monday and I have school. Is September 18th the only day we can do this?
Melissa wrote: "I love this idea, but would it be possible to have bookmarks that can be ordered or printed? I'm one of those people who hate to put stickers on books. Thanks!"They have book marks and more because I wouldn't stick a sticker on a book either.
Melissa wrote: "I love this idea, but would it be possible to have bookmarks that can be ordered or printed? I'm one of those people who hate to put stickers on books. Thanks!"I'm gunna put mine in a baggy to protect it from the rain and write on the front of that with a sharpie :]
Melissa wrote: "I love this idea, but would it be possible to have bookmarks that can be ordered or printed? I'm one of those people who hate to put stickers on books. Thanks!"Or making the stickers into bookmarks?
Karen wrote: "Wish you could share Kindle books like this!"I totally share ebooks with strangers. I go on bookish groups and watch for someone needing a certain kind of book and I send them one.
Wonderful idea.
How fantastic to find a book someone has hidden for you to take home!!
How fantastic to find a book someone has hidden for you to take home!!
this is so lovely! Wouldn't it be great to know how many books change anonymous hands on the day?
This is happening in India. I'd love to participate.
Haley wrote: "Karen wrote: "Wish you could share Kindle books like this!"
I totally share ebooks with strangers. I go on bookish groups and watch for someone needing a certain kind of book and I send them one."
Wow, how do you do this, Haley? Do you arrange it with them, or just ... bookbomb them? lol. I love the idea of bookbombing someone just because they obviously need a new book :)
I totally share ebooks with strangers. I go on bookish groups and watch for someone needing a certain kind of book and I send them one."
Wow, how do you do this, Haley? Do you arrange it with them, or just ... bookbomb them? lol. I love the idea of bookbombing someone just because they obviously need a new book :)
Lee wrote: "Haley wrote: "Karen wrote: "Wish you could share Kindle books like this!"I totally share ebooks with strangers. I go on bookish groups and watch for someone needing a certain kind of book and I ..."
I message them and tell them i would like to surprise them with a book and ask for their email so I can send it via Amazon ebook gift. :) I also do this with actual books and ask for an address to send it to. Just bought a stranger two books yesterday when she said she was expecting twins. Got each baby a classic children's book.
Haley wrote: "Lee wrote: "Haley wrote: "Karen wrote: "Wish you could share Kindle books like this!"
I totally share ebooks with strangers. I go on bookish groups and watch for someone needing a certain kind of..."
that's gorgeous!! a book version of 'paying for the next person's coffee'.
I totally share ebooks with strangers. I go on bookish groups and watch for someone needing a certain kind of..."
that's gorgeous!! a book version of 'paying for the next person's coffee'.
I just ordered my stickers. :D I hope they arrive on time!
Oh my goodness!! This is so lovely !! I don't think anyone would be participating from my country though..
Lee wrote: "Haley wrote: "Lee wrote: "Haley wrote: "Karen wrote: "Wish you could share Kindle books like this!"I totally share ebooks with strangers. I go on bookish groups and watch for someone needing a c..."
Thank you!
Melissa wrote: "I love this idea, but would it be possible to have bookmarks that can be ordered or printed? I'm one of those people who hate to put stickers on books. Thanks!"Yeah, you can order bookmarks. Me too don't like stickers :
http://ibelieveinbookfairies.com/prod...
Isabella wrote: "I love this idea, but how high are the chances that besides me someone in Vienna would participate?!"We have quite a few book fairies in Vienna :)
Nell wrote: "The link has prices in pounds. Does this convert to dollars for American readers?"Yes it does when you choose paypal :)
Tianna wrote: "I just ordered book marks and stickers! Can't wait!"Exciting!!
Beatriz wrote: "No stickers in portuguese yet? :("Yes there are! Just pop a note on your order :)
I love this, and there's so many books I could choose from...now to figure out the best places to leave them!
Joyce wrote: "Never heard of bookcrossing. That's a great concept too. Gotta check that out as well. It feels so good to give."Bookcrossers, Book Fairies, everyone loves sharing books! :)
Giada wrote: "My friends and I would like to partecipate but I want to buy the stickers for them too and I can't, why?"Not sure why that would be happening! Please email bookfairyemail@gmail.com and I can help x
Summer wrote: "That is my birthday!! And it is such a perfect thing to do on my birthday! YAY!"Got your order, Summer, and there is something special in there just for you on your birthday too :) x
carissa wrote: "Just ordered my stickers from the UK without a hitch, so far..."Whahoo! They will be on their way this week :)
Lucy wrote: "I love this idea and I would love to participate, but September 18 is a Monday and I have school. Is September 18th the only day we can do this?"Book fairies share books every single day of the year! So no rush at all, the 18th is the event with Goodreads but you can share books whenever you like :)
Lee wrote: "this is so lovely! Wouldn't it be great to know how many books change anonymous hands on the day?"Yes - we will be counting how many Goodreads stickers are sent out, so we will have a good idea! Looking forward to the big day :)
Asha wrote: "This is happening in India. I'd love to participate."There are LOADS of book fairies in India and they are very active!
dummydums wrote: "Oh my goodness!! This is so lovely !! I don't think anyone would be participating from my country though.."You'd be surprised! And if not - be the first!
Lily wrote: "The link has prices in pounds. Does this convert to dollars for American readers? instagram video downloader"
Yes it does when you choose paypal :)
Mickey wrote: "I love this, and there's so many books I could choose from...now to figure out the best places to leave them!"That's half the battle :)
Shana wrote: "Think i will hide my copy of Percy Jackson The lightening theif by Rick Riordan. It was one of my favorites by him but i has some good notes they hit on like believing in yourself but also life les..."I agree with everything you just said, except for the 'giving away Percy Jackson' part. :P
Hey! They have bookmarks on the Book Fairy Website, click the link for the stickers and then choose the Shop tab on the website and it will give you all the options!
My first thought, too, was "Oh! They've taken the idea behind BookCrossing and taken out the tracking element" which seemed a little odd, especially since the goodreads site lets you ID any BookCrossing books you have.I'll release books on the 18th, I'm sure, and make mention of the project, but the sticker will be BookCrossing.
Melissa wrote: "I love this idea, but would it be possible to have bookmarks that can be ordered or printed? I'm one of those people who hate to put stickers on books. Thanks!"Hi Melissa,
I just visited the site and yes, there are bookmarks!
Melissa wrote: "I love this idea, but would it be possible to have bookmarks that can be ordered or printed? I'm one of those people who hate to put stickers on books. Thanks!"They do have bookmarks that you can use in lieu of stickers. Just click on the Get Stickers link above and then select SHOP from the menu across the top of the Book Fairies page. You will see ribbons and book marks and a variety of different items.
Stickers could also be put on the inside cover of a book. The idea is to make it obvious that this book is a gift to the finder, as many times people feel guilty about taking a book left in a public location. I've seen people pick up the book, look it over and then put it down. On one occasion, I even saw someone photograph it with their phone. They didn't realize it was a gift! But using bookmarks and a note inside to the finder would clarify that, if you don't want to use the stickers!
Amy wrote: "My first thought, too, was "Oh! They've taken the idea behind BookCrossing and taken out the tracking element" which seemed a little odd, especially since the goodreads site lets you ID any BookCro..."Great! Book Fairies and Bookcrossers share books together regularly :)
Is anyone from Jakarta, Indonesia doing this??
Just purchased my book marks and stickers! For those wondering it cost me about $11 USD from two sets of bookmarks with shipping. I'm excited to do this! I need to come up with places to hide them! Wish I had a group of friends to hide them with! Anyone know how long shipping should take to the US?
Haley wrote: "Just purchased my book marks and stickers! For those wondering it cost me about $11 USD from two sets of bookmarks with shipping. I'm excited to do this! I need to come up with places to hide them..."
Great! How exciting! It will be around 2 weeks - you'll get them in plenty of time for the event on the 18th! We are getting through the orders at the moment - phew! :)
Cordelia wrote: "Haley wrote: "Just purchased my book marks and stickers! For those wondering it cost me about $11 USD from two sets of bookmarks with shipping. I'm excited to do this! I need to come up with place..."
I know now I kinda wish I bought the tote. Lol even though I have a tote I can use. I've been sharing this like crazy!!
Haley wrote: "Cordelia wrote: "Haley wrote: "Just purchased my book marks and stickers! For those wondering it cost me about $11 USD from two sets of bookmarks with shipping. I'm excited to do this! I need to c..."
(get the tote... it's amazing and i'm not biased at all...)
I am loathe to give away my favorites but I would be ok to give my "not favorites" away! Just because I wasn't a fan doesn't mean someone wouldn't love it, right? To each his own!!!
Loretta wrote: "I am loathe to give away my favorites but I would be ok to give my "not favorites" away! Just because I wasn't a fan doesn't mean someone wouldn't love it, right? To each his own!!!"Exactly my thoughts!
GO September babies! Mine is the 16th! :)