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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 251-300 of 429 (429 new)
Arpit wrote: "What all information are you gonna put on the stickers? I would love my finder to know my name and email address (and GR profile?) so that he/she can let me know where my book has reached. Some sor..."I don't think there's any room on the sticker, but you can always leave a note or something inside the book with the information you want and maybe a nice little personal message.
Arpit wrote: "What all information are you gonna put on the stickers? I would love my finder to know my name and email address (and GR profile?) so that he/she can let me know where my book has reached. Some sor..."It's recommended you don't write on the sticker - because the idea is that it will be passed on more than once. A nice touch, and something many people do, is to add a note inside like Suvi has also recommended. The note can mention your personal instagram and your local book fairy insta account too if you like!
Bark's Book Nonsense wrote: "I ordered stickers and the bundle with the cute book bag. I'll combine my love of bookcrossing with the book fairies and do my best to spread the word about both."Such a lovely message! Exciting to wait for goodies in the post too :) Book fairies and book crossers make a great team :)
Shirley wrote: "Wouldn't it be better to promote Bookcrossing who have been promoting just this for ages? www.bookcrossing.com"I was just going to say the same thing. I may put both stickers on my book :)
Nancy wrote: "Shirley wrote: "Wouldn't it be better to promote Bookcrossing who have been promoting just this for ages? www.bookcrossing.com"I was just going to say the same thing. I may put both stickers on m..."
Good idea! Some book crossers like to do both :)
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 agree that book marks would be preferable!
Suvi wrote: "Elle wrote: "Hey, this is so cool, it is like the children's book "The Book Scavenger". I looove this idea, but I live a place where winter starts in September and ends in may, so I am just worried..."Hey, thanks for the suggestion, now I won't have to worry about the poor book out in the cold.
I will try and do this! Might hide mine a day earlier, though, as I have work on Mondays X) If possible I will hide one or two at work
Tammy wrote: "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 agree that book m..."
There are bookmarks on the book fairies site too! :)
Katherine wrote: "Every year when we take our two month road trip across the US, I pack a tote bag of books and leave them in our motel lobby or breakfast room or laundry--hopefully other guests or the staff pick th..."What a great idea! How lucky you are to take a two month road trip. wow.
Shirley wrote: "Wouldn't it be better to promote Bookcrossing who have been promoting just this for ages? www.bookcrossing.com"I've been a Bookcrosser for 13 years! Flowers for Algernon travelled from the Washington DC area all the way to the Ukraine!
I go to thrift shops to buy copies of my favorite books, sticker them, then leave them for other people to enjoy!
Skyler wrote: "Does anyone know what the stickers say?"The Goodreads sticker says: "Helping readers find and share the books they love. #goodreadsturns10 #hideabookday" and this is for their birthday celebration on the 18th and the rest of September.
The book fairies one says: "Take this book, read it & leave it for the next person to enjoy. #ibelieveinbookfairies"
Jerri wrote: "Shirley wrote: "Wouldn't it be better to promote Bookcrossing who have been promoting just this for ages? www.bookcrossing.com"I've been a Bookcrosser for 13 years! Flowers for Algernon travelled..."
That is a great way to find good secondhand books - and fantastic that you are supporting them and also sharing your love of books!
Cordelia wrote: "Skyler wrote: "Does anyone know what the stickers say?"The Goodreads sticker says: "Helping readers find and share the books they love. #goodreadsturns10 #hideabookday" and this is for their birt..."
Thanks!
Katherine wrote: "Every year when we take our two month road trip across the US, I pack a tote bag of books and leave them in our motel lobby or breakfast room or laundry--hopefully other guests or the staff pick th..."This is really truly awesome! I bet you've improved dozens of people's life. I've done that with a couple of books, but the idea of taking books and leaving them in hotels and restaurants inspires me. I will follow on your footsteps. All the best to you.
What I like to do is when I go to the library. I check out their book for sale section and find my favorites there. I pick them up and use those so that the books continue to get the love and my collection stays complete. :) That way I also don't feel bad about putting any stickers or anything on it because the library already did.
You're asking me to give up one of my favorite books?... Ok I can do this. *orders stickers and takes a deep breath* hahaha just kidding this sounds really fun.
Rita wrote: "Rita wrote: "This is a nice idea; however, I always get my books from the library. Am I the only one here who does?"Yes, I guess I am."
I am at the library 3 times a week for books for me and my Mother. Now I have over 200 books at home in bins waiting to be read.No you are not alone!
Britney wrote: "You're asking me to give up one of my favorite books?... Ok I can do this. *orders stickers and takes a deep breath* hahaha just kidding this sounds really fun."Heehee it is tricky. Book fairies cannot part with all their books that's for sure!
How about pic free option for those of us who want to participate but can't do the pic part because our phones are so basic they have no cameras?
Madhu wrote: "Would love to participate. How about making a download available for the sticker instead of having to order them."You could probably make your own, right?
Shirley wrote: "Wouldn't it be better to promote Bookcrossing who have been promoting just this for ages? www.bookcrossing.com"I was just thinking the same thing. Bookcrossers have been giving away books for years. It is a free site and promotes giving away books all year long, not just on one day. I will participate with the Goodreads day, and even create some stickers of my own.
Sharon wrote: "Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese."Also a favourite of mine but I'd have to find a new copy because I wouldnt want to hide mine.
Madhu wrote: "Would love to participate. How about making a download available for the sticker instead of having to order them."Yes, my thoughts exactly.
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!"Me too!
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!"The Book Faeries website also offers bookmarks and ribbons that you can buy instead of stickers. I am buying both bookmarks and stickers, and just putting the sticker in the book as a bookmark.
We help advertise goodreads, but we have to pay for it? :-( I might prefer to put my books into my city's 'open bookcase' without any note instead.
Alejandra wrote: "I wish this was a big thing in Mexico... :(Either way I just ordered a few stickers! <3 I'm quite excited! haha"
Ojalá encuentre alguno!! jajaja saludos desde León!
You shoud make an event for this on your Facebook page!
I like the idea, but as a book hoarder I can't bear the thought of letting go any of the books I own. 🙈
Kay wrote: "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!"Me too!"
You can make your own you know, in word or publisher, print. All they pretty much want is that information there. As long as that is there, you can hide the book. heck one of the book hiding websites even says hand write it if you so choose. Be creative, think outside of their box to pass on the same great message.
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!"Same here. And a bookmark is a great idea so that the new reader doesn't have to find one on their own or dog-ear the book!
I think i found one of these once and handed it in to lost and found. Oops!
i am in the USA is there still time to get stickers here?
im sorry i could never do this i love my favorite books to much to do this lol
After the month is over, do we just leave the books there for all eternity ;), or should we take them back home?
Is this event available in India? I'm gonna be the happiest person on earth if it is in India...
I would so love if this came to Trinidad, I'm sure no one's coming to the Caribbean to hide a book or look for one though. My book Archers Voice by Mia Sheridan.
I was able to save the image at the top of this page as a .png file which I'm going to use to make my own "stickers"/bookmarks, instead of paying $7 to have them shipped from England. I also thought I'd have the part sticking up out of the book say, "Take me, I'm Yours."
Also, personally, I don't think it HAS to be your FAVORITE book. I plan on leaving a book I just finished, enjoyed, but don't want to keep (because I've entered the I-don't-have-to-keep-every-book-I've-ever-read-or-ever-heard-of phase of midlife purging).
Amber wrote: "How about pic free option for those of us who want to participate but can't do the pic part because our phones are so basic they have no cameras?"Of course! There is no obligation to post a pic :)
You can hide the book indoors as well! :) As long as you make sure it's a place where a lot of people visit, so that there's a bigger chance your book will be picked up.