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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 301-350 of 429 (429 new)
message 301:
by
Amber
(last edited Sep 08, 2017 10:52AM)
(new)
Sep 08, 2017 10:51AM
Cool. I'll look into the sites where I can supposedly get the stickers for it. If I have to pay for them, though, I might just make bookmarks instead.
flag
I am going to make bookmarks. What should they say?
Meredith wrote: "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 though..."I like the "Take me, I'm Yours." Idea.
Could I purchase books to do this? I'm one of those weirdos that can't part with books, but I would still love to do this.
Shirley wrote: "Wouldn't it be better to promote Bookcrossing who have been promoting just this for ages? www.bookcrossing.com"Just what i was thinking :D
Hayley wrote: "Could I purchase books to do this? I'm one of those weirdos that can't part with books, but I would still love to do this."Same here lol
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..."
I have been taking bags of books to a campground we stay at once or twice a year. The office had a 1- shelf library and we enjoyed picking out a book to read in camp and then sharing it somewhere when we finished reading. Unfortunately, they started carrying a few more camper accessories and took out the library. I have two huge bags of books in my camper that I need to share or donate to the local library booksale.
Madhu wrote: "Would love to participate. How about making a download available for the sticker instead of having to order them."yup. Also the fact that stickers cost £1.80, but postage costs £2.50!
I like this idea, especially with Post-it notes. Any suggestions what to write on them? We have a book swap basket at work, plus I drop off finished magazines at a senior citizen home every 2 weeks. Best time to start this project as our weather changes in Central NY.
Flowerscat wrote: "Madhu wrote: "Would love to participate. How about making a download available for the sticker instead of having to order them."yup. Also the fact that stickers cost £1.80, but postage costs £2.50!"
How much does that translate into as US $?
Flowerscat wrote: "Madhu wrote: "Would love to participate. How about making a download available for the sticker instead of having to order them."yup. Also the fact that stickers cost £1.80, but postage costs £2.50!"
Yes postage is tricky, but it does stay the same no matter how much you get :)
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 going to put my books in ziplock bags and put the stickers on the bag.
Hayley wrote: "Could I purchase books to do this? I'm one of those weirdos that can't part with books, but I would still love to do this."Yeah, why not? XD It might be even better if you're willing to pay more money, because people like a book that isn't falling apart more :)
Jane 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'm going to put my..."
Oh my goodness so true!
I would like to join this community and buy a sticker but I don't know the coupon code so I guess I can't buy it😔
Sofia wrote: "I would like to join this community and buy a sticker but I don't know the coupon code so I guess I can't buy it😔"I don't think there is a coupon code - you just go to the site linked above and buy it from there.
Jane - great idea with the ziplock bags!
Cordelia - I still think it's a bit excessive for 10 stickers, when first class post is only 65p in the UK. I'd rather print my own or use post-it notes like someone suggested. I'm not going to be able to buy & distribute more than 10 books in a year, so there is no point in buying a whole stack of stickers that I won't use😊
Amber - around $2.30 for the stickers. I don't know how much the postage is overseas, but £2.50 is ~$3.20
Sofia wrote: "I would like to join this community and buy a sticker but I don't know the coupon code so I guess I can't buy it😔"no coupon code needed!
Nele wrote: "Book hunting is quite popular in Belgium (Flanders) nowadays. Join us on Facebook if you want to leave your books somewhere: The group is called "De Boekenjagers" :)."Bedankt! Ik wist tot vandaag niet dat dit bestond :) Zal ik zeker eens checken!
I love this so much. I've always looked for purposefully left letters everywhere I go and wish I'd stumble upon them like a message in a bottle. Hasn't happened yet, but how amazing would it be if it were a book instead of a letter? OR a book with a letter!
Sofia wrote: "I would like to join this community and buy a sticker but I don't know the coupon code so I guess I can't buy it😔"I am just going to make bookmarks, you could do that.
Jolene wrote: "I like this idea, especially with Post-it notes. Any suggestions what to write on them? We have a book swap basket at work, plus I drop off finished magazines at a senior citizen home every 2 weeks. Can someone give me some simple ideas, please?
Skyler wrote: "Sofia wrote: "I would like to join this community and buy a sticker but I don't know the coupon code so I guess I can't buy it😔"I am just going to make bookmarks, you could do that."
I was just about to sugest this, but you beat me to it, Skyler. That said, I second this: Make your own bookmarks. It's less costly and adds that personal touch :)
Skyler wrote: "I am going to make bookmarks. What should they say?"Any Ideas?
Hey all. I ordered the sticker pack but if you're on a budget I think it's definitely okay to make your own. All the stickers says anyway is:The Book Fairies
Take this book, read it & leave it for the next person to enjoy.
:)
Skyler wrote: "Skyler wrote: "I am going to make bookmarks. What should they say?"Any Ideas?"
This is what it says on the 'official' stickers-
"The Book Fairies
Take this book, read it & leave it for the next person to enjoy."
Daph wrote: "Skyler wrote: "Skyler wrote: "I am going to make bookmarks. What should they say?"Any Ideas?"
This is what it says on the 'official' stickers-
"The Book Fairies
Take this book, read it & leave..."
Thanks.
I'm proudly hiding:The Art of Health: Simple and Powerful Keys for Creating Health in your Life
and
Modern Day Fables
Daph wrote: "Hey all. I ordered the sticker pack but if you're on a budget I think it's definitely okay to make your own. All the stickers says anyway is:The Book Fairies
Take this book, read it & leave it f..."
Don't forget #ibelieveinbookfairies :)
A Knight in Shining Armor, by Jude Deveraux
I ordered on the 30th and stillDon't have mine! :( i'm worried they won't come in time!
Haley wrote: "I ordered on the 30th and stillDon't have mine! :( i'm worried they won't come in time!"
They should be there on time but don't worry - Goodreads are celebrating all month so you can still get involved even if they're late :)
Cordelia wrote: "Haley wrote: "I ordered on the 30th and stillDon't have mine! :( i'm worried they won't come in time!"
They should be there on time but don't worry - Goodreads are celebrating all month so you ca..."
Well I planned to do it with other people so i would really like them here on time!
Alissa wrote: "Skyler wrote: "Sofia wrote: "I would like to join this community and buy a sticker but I don't know the coupon code so I guess I can't buy it😔"I am just going to make bookmarks, you could do that..."
Thank you so much for the idea! I thought I could do a letter that I would put on the book, but this is so much better 😊
Sofia wrote: "Alissa wrote: "Skyler wrote: "Sofia wrote: "I would like to join this community and buy a sticker but I don't know the coupon code so I guess I can't buy it😔"I am just going to make bookmarks, yo..."
Your Welcome!
This sounds great. :) However if I decide to participate I'll do it on the weekend because Mondays doesn't work for me with my job.Crystal wrote: "im sorry i could never do this i love my favorite books to much to do this lol"
You can of course buy other copies of your fave books and leave those.
How about no. I will not be paying for anything, thank you. Why should everything have a monetary cost? Ridiculous.
Beatriz wrote: "No stickers in portuguese yet? :("Yep aparently no :\ But I think I will leave a book with a sticker wrote by me :)
I want to participate in this but sadly the stickers aren't free. Sigh.
Jimbo wrote: "I want to participate in this but sadly the stickers aren't free. Sigh."Just make bookmakes.
T wrote: "How about no. I will not be paying for anything, thank you. Why should everything have a monetary cost? Ridiculous."Make bookmarks.
Skyler wrote: "Jimbo wrote: "I want to participate in this but sadly the stickers aren't free. Sigh."Just make bookmakes."
Bookmakes? Do you mean bookmarks? I thought of that too but I can't find any decent, printable photos of the Book Fairies stickers or bookmarks. I guess I'll be participating without the stickers. I'll just wrap each book I'll be giving away in a brown paperbag and write a short message on it. :)
Jimbo wrote: "Skyler wrote: "Jimbo wrote: "I want to participate in this but sadly the stickers aren't free. Sigh."Just make bookmakes."
Bookmakes? Do you mean bookmarks? I thought of that too but I can't fin..."
Yes I meant bookmarks:)
T wrote: "How about no. I will not be paying for anything, thank you. Why should everything have a monetary cost? Ridiculous."Unfortunately the book fairies don't get them for free either :(
Sofia wrote: "Beatriz wrote: "No stickers in portuguese yet? :("Yep aparently no :\ But I think I will leave a book with a sticker wrote by me :)"
Yes there are Portugese stickers!
Jimbo wrote: "I want to participate in this but sadly the stickers aren't free. Sigh."The Book Fairies sent 40,000 stickers for free around the world, not even charging postage costs, after the launch in March - sadly this is not sustainable :(
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett :)
Cordelia wrote: "Jimbo wrote: "I want to participate in this but sadly the stickers aren't free. Sigh."The Book Fairies sent 40,000 stickers for free around the world, not even charging postage costs, after the l..."
That is generous of them. But it would have been MORE generous (and less expensive for them--in fact, no expense at all) if they post a printable photo of the sticker online so readers around the world can just print it. But that's probably asking too much. Anyway, I'm happy to participate with or without the sticker. I'll just mention them in my posts when I free some of my books on the 18th September. :)
T wrote: "How about no. I will not be paying for anything, thank you. Why should everything have a monetary cost? Ridiculous."Instead of taking such a negative stance, how about figuring out a way to do it without spending money? Just slide a piece of paper in with the words "Free Book" peeking out over the top. Or slap a post-it on the cover. Or download one of the zillions of free bookcrossing labels the internet has to offer?
