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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 151-200 of 429 (429 new)
message 151:
by
Chandré
(new)
Sep 03, 2017 08:31AM
This is such a great idea , if only you could be sure someone would find and appreciate your book and not toss it :/ I suppose that's part of the excitement , the risk!
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Julie wrote: "I think this is a great concept and want to participate. However, I need an idea or two as to where to hide my book. Suggestions???"Depends on the weather! We love to find interesting statues and monuments so you can add some more detail when you post a pic of the book there - but if it's raining then you have to find doorways or sheltered benches, shopping centres - the list goes on and you can get really creative!
Chandré wrote: "This is such a great idea , if only you could be sure someone would find and appreciate your book and not toss it :/ I suppose that's part of the excitement , the risk!"Many book fairies will wait discreetly nearby to be sure the book is found!
Cordelia wrote: "Chandré wrote: "This is such a great idea , if only you could be sure someone would find and appreciate your book and not toss it :/ I suppose that's part of the excitement , the risk!"Many book ..."
That's a good point! I suppose if it's a busy area it should be found soon enough
Stickers are really expensive. Iwill just make my own.
![Sintija [ Roby ]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1620470685p1/20879470.jpg)
Isabella wrote: "I love this idea, but how high are the chances that besides me someone in Vienna would participate?!"That's my concern too. I live in even less popular location Latvia. I love the idea, but would love tp find some book for myself to read.
I like this idea. I was part of the Book Crossing crowd for some time. My biggest problem is that I designate the books I read as "keepers or give aways. " I am not going to use my "keeper" books for this. Most books I read , I pass along to others, and tell them they don't have to return it.
Sally Atwell wrote: "I like this idea. I was part of the Book Crossing crowd for some time. My biggest problem is that I designate the books I read as "keepers or give aways. " I am not going to use my "keeper" books f..."Yes it's tricky! Sounds like you're sharing already and that is fantastic :)
For those worried that they'll be the only ones in their area participating - sure, maybe THIS year. But then next year, maybe there will be more because you introduced the idea!Ideas on where to leave books - I have left them in doctor's offices, hotel lobbies, public restrooms (on the counter...), on metro trains, corporate lunch rooms, dance studios, on top of mailboxes, on park benches, and on top of gas pumps. I usually put my books in a clear plastic bag just in case of rain or sprinkler systems.
Brigette wrote: "For those worried that they'll be the only ones in their area participating - sure, maybe THIS year. But then next year, maybe there will be more because you introduced the idea!Ideas on where to..."
Thank you for the ideas , I think the problem is the language , since I'm from morocco , I can't leave the books with stickers in english as that would limit the number of people who will understand it , But it is an amazing idea and I am going to do it .
Safae wrote: "Brigette wrote: "For those worried that they'll be the only ones in their area participating - sure, maybe THIS year. But then next year, maybe there will be more because you introduced the idea!..."
Hi Safae! There are Arabic stickers (sorry the page isn't currently working) so if you put an order through for the goodreads pack, just put a note saying 'arabic' and I will sort that for you :)
Madhu wrote: "Would love to participate. How about making a download available for the sticker instead of having to order them."Yes, this is a great idea, I'd like to participate but not able to spend on the pack plus postage.
Would it be ok to do without the official stickers?
I have a ton of paperback and hard cover books that I've read. They are just sitting on my book shelves and I know I won't read most of them again. I wouldn't say any of them are my 'favorite' (is it even possible to have one favorite?) but I enjoyed them all. I'm thinking it would be fun to leave them 'hidden'. At least they'd have someone new to love them.... would that be ok for 'Hide a Book' Day?
Sydney O (Сидней О) wrote: "Charli ღ Denae wrote: "I have a ton of paperback and hard cover books that I've read. They are just sitting on my book shelves and I know I won't read most of them again. I wouldn't say any of them..."Hahahaha!! I'm sure you're right, Sydney!
Rose Quartz wrote: "Is there any way this could happen in South America?"not in my country. Argentina. To have something sent from outside the country, you have to fill out all sorts of forms, it's a mess, and it takes time
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 WISH THERE WAS A LIKE BUTTON FOR THIS COMMENT!!!!!
Like Book Crossings. I've done this before. A great idea.
Loretta wrote: "You can use a postit note, just leave inside the cover!"Smart lol
Shirley wrote: "Wouldn't it be better to promote Bookcrossing who have been promoting just this for ages? www.bookcrossing.com"I was thinking the same thing. Although I hadn't been on Bookcrossing in years. I just logged on and I was last active in 2006. Sadly, none of the books I released into the wild were ever found. I wonder if there'd be more activity now?
Chandré wrote: "Cordelia wrote: "Chandré wrote: "This is such a great idea , if only you could be sure someone would find and appreciate your book and not toss it :/ I suppose that's part of the excitement , the r..."Yes exactly - and you often hear a little squeal!
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!"Yes, if you go to the site, you will see there are bookmarks available too. They are £2.80 for 5.
Rita wrote: "Stickers are really expensive. Iwill just make my own."Nancy wrote: I thought they were very inexpensive when converted into US dollars. $6.45, that included shipping from England!
Nancy wrote: I thought they were very inexpensive when converted into US dollars. $6.45, that included shipping from England!"
True! And don't tell anyone but.. shipping stays the same no matter how much you order ;)
Myself? I'm a selfish old codger. I continue to mourn the thousands of books I've given-up since the early 1950s. The only books I'd 'give up' these days, would be those I could not stomach, nor finish, and I wouldn't want anyone else to be bothered with those. But for those who can depart with their old friends, I say 'Go for it!'
Rita wrote: "Stickers are really expensive. Iwill just make my own."I agree with you! If it is supposed to help people to read shouldn't the stickers be free or downloadable. I have to spend money on the book I am going to hide and sticker saying why. I love the idea and will do it, but I will participate.
Robert wrote: "Myself? I'm a selfish old codger. I continue to mourn the thousands of books I've given-up since the early 1950s. The only books I'd 'give up' these days, would be those I could not stomach, nor fi..."I would never give up a book I own, but I am ok going to a used bookstore or ordering a copy online from Amazon to share because I have some wonderful books that I think everyone should know about and some how no one days. Shadow of the Wind comes to mind
I have two copies of Harry Potter and the cursed child so I might give one away. I wanted to hide Throne of Glass (my favorite book) but I dont have a physical copy of that so...
I'm sorry, you want people to pay money to promote Goodreads? Why not give out stickers and bookmarks for free in exchange for all of the free publicity you'll be getting from the booklovers you're so happily ripping off?
I was going to order bookmarks and stickers, BEFORE I saw the site is not secure so credit card information is not protected. Will still leave books, but print something on my own to include with them.
Patricia wrote: "I was going to order bookmarks and stickers, BEFORE I saw the site is not secure so credit card information is not protected. Will still leave books, but print something on my own to include with t..."They don't take credit card info on the site - you go through PayPal, which is secure - so do not worry! :)
Aseel wrote: "I have two copies of Harry Potter and the cursed child so I might give one away. I wanted to hide Throne of Glass (my favorite book) but I dont have a physical copy of that so..."Harry Potter always goes down well! Good idea :)
Maura wrote: "I'm sorry, you want people to pay money to promote Goodreads? Why not give out stickers and bookmarks for free in exchange for all of the free publicity you'll be getting from the booklovers you're..."Hi! It's not a promotion for Goodreads - it's a celebration of them turning 10 and they are celebrating by joining forces with The Book Fairies for a day! The stickers etc are inexpensive but if you'd prefer not to order them you can still join in - some people are going to simply pop a note inside and mention #goodreadsturns10 & #hideabookday :)
What a fantastic idea! I will definitely be participating in Hide-a-book-day!
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!"Hello y'all, I like the ideas you came up with for bookmarks instead of stickers. There are actually bookfairy bookmarks: http://ibelieveinbookfairies.com/prod...
Hide a Book Day will be fun!!
For those of you (like me) who don't want to put stickers on books, an early poster on this blog suggested using a paper clip to attach the sticker to the cover of the book. Great idea!This way the book doesn't have a permanent sticker attached, the finder sees that the book has been left on purpose, and he/she is more likely to take the book home if he/she is interested.
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!"Good idea!
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 feel the exact same way, or can we put on the inside cover?
I love this idea and I've been doing it for years!
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!"Good idea!
Are people hiding the books outside? We are in hurricane season and it rains almost everyday. I'd be sad to see ruined wet books.
Robin wrote: "Are people hiding the books outside? We are in hurricane season and it rains almost everyday. I'd be sad to see ruined wet books."Some do, but that's not a requirement (I was thinking about hiding a book in some of my university buildings). You should always keep the weather in mind, so hurricane season is probably not the best time to leave books outside.
The Hate You Give would be great for this. Such a good book.
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!"You could just put the books in zip bags and place the stickers on the bag XD.
I would love to join in on this but don't know if anyone else in my town is gonna do it. Will have to spread the word at school!
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 so nice! I'm glad there's people like you out there. :)
Sharon wrote: "Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese."That has been on my to read list for a while. I am hoping to read it this year--just placed a hold on it from the library!
Ellie wrote: "I would love to join in on this but don't know if anyone else in my town is gonna do it. Will have to spread the word at school!"Ellie you could be the first! How exciting :)
