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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 351-400 of 429 (429 new)
message 351:
by
Danisha
(new)
Sep 13, 2017 11:28AM
Anyone here doing this is Ontario, Canada?
flag
I'll be hiding the first book in my trilogy! Love this idea and can't wait to participate! Illusion: Book One
The Book Thief :Markus Zusak THE best book I have read this year.
Jimbo wrote: "I want to participate in this but sadly the stickers aren't free. Sigh."Hey everyone. You do know goodreads has a free downloadable thing for us. You just need to download and print. You dont need the stickers.
https://images.gr-assets.com/misc/150...
I'm "hiding" a copy of Lilac Girls, by Martha Hall Kelly. I'm a tour guide at Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden, the summer home of protagonist, Caroline Ferriday. Some of our visitors have long been queued up for library copies of the book. It will be fun to play Book Fairy and delight a reader.
I am going to Croatia on the 19th...I think i might order an extra copy of one of my favorites and hide it there as well :) a day late but i think it would be fun!!! :)
Im hiding it here in AZ this is gonna be great for my AZ friends not sure what to hide though,,,,,,think, think, think.....
I created my own stickers because I was afraid the official ones wouldn't arrive in time because I caught on late and am in the US (mine arrived today and they are lovely! See them here ) I used MS Word, borrowed some graphics online and printed them on a full sheet sticker. A bit more work than buying them & they're a little bigger than the official ones but they'll work in a pinch. I expect I'll be releasing tons of these book in tandem with bookcrossing and will be often running out of stickers :)
Bark's Book Nonsense wrote: "I created my own stickers because I was afraid the official ones wouldn't arrive in time because I caught on late and am in the US (mine arrived today and they are lovely!) I used MS Word, "borrowe..."When did you buy yours? I bought mine the 30th of August and still don't have them yet and i'm
In the US. Even though originally someone told me they'd be here in plenty of time.
This evening I downloaded and read the note. Maybe I can tweak the details, make some bookmarks with my scrapbook cardstock, and hide books this week so other coworkers can enjoy them during breaks or at home. Maybe raid my extra stickers box to add more pizzazz??
Haley wrote: .." I bought mine early September. I'm not sure where you're located but mail is delayed in certain areas of the country due to the storms. I'm in the northeast. I hope you get yours soon!
Bark's Book Nonsense wrote: "Haley wrote: .." I bought mine early September. I'm not sure where you're located but mail is delayed in certain areas of the country due to the storms. I'm in the northeast. I hope you get yours s..."I'm in Washington state
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!"Ooh... same here. Would love a bookmark, instead.
Printed my stickers, I will Hide ten books. Two signed hardbacks from author friends. To be hidden in: A library, A not chain coffee shop, a shoe store bathroom, a Firehouse, a High School Vice Principal's office (you know the one where the bad boy gets called for detention) and more in Orange County, Los Angeles County and San Mateo County CAFUN
This is such a cool idea. It reminds me of geocaching except it's with books.
FYI just for anyone who thought of doing this barnes and noble and every other local bookshop I've asked has said NO I may not "hide" my books in or around their buildings. Even if they have stickers/ribbons ect to identify them, and even if I give themPictures or lists of the books i'm hiding.
I thought it might be nice to hide books around places where people who love books go- but alas they said no.
My library recently was caught with a pedophile taking videos of kids so since I'll have my son with me we won't be hiding the books at the library.
Just wanted to give others a heads up they may want to ask if they are allowed to hide books in certain places.
Is there a way to participate in the Hide a Book Day somehow when the book one wants to share is an E-book?
I SO want to do this, but I live in a very French area of Quebec and I am NOT LYING- *legit* afraid that I would get in trouble with the locals and/or language police if I left an English book (which is all I read and own- I am an ANGLOphone, a Quebec resident that is a Native English speaker) in a public place with notes that would also be in English only! Anyone else from Quebec feeling that? --Jen from Quebec :0) (PS) YES- I am most likely just going to do this anyways!
Abbie DiscoSuperFly wrote: "Jimbo wrote: "I want to participate in this but sadly the stickers aren't free. Sigh."Hey everyone. You do know goodreads has a free downloadable thing for us. You just need to download and print..."
Thanks!
I decided to buy 17 books and hide them in the OPEN in my grand daughter's kindergarten classroom (with the teacher's permission of course). We will be doing this later in September and also every other month. (all I can afford). As they learn to read I will move up in book types. Thank heavens for Dollar Tree Books. They ordered books for me so all will be getting the same book to read in class together with a note from the Book Fairies. (and my grand daughter has no idea)
Karen wrote: "Is there a way to participate in the Hide a Book Day somehow when the book one wants to share is an E-book?"That's actually a good idea. But make sure the ebooks you'll be sharing are the ones in public domain; otherwise you might get in trouble with the publishers.
Caroline wrote: "Printed my stickers, I will Hide ten books. Two signed hardbacks from author friends. To be hidden in: A library, A not chain coffee shop, a shoe store bathroom, a Firehouse, a High School Vice Pri..."Please make sure you have permission from the library first (see Haley's post below).
Should be encouraging people to use bookcrossing.com for this. Bookcrossers regularly give books away in this fashion :-)
Sandi wrote: "I decided to buy 17 books and hide them in the OPEN in my grand daughter's kindergarten classroom (with the teacher's permission of course). We will be doing this later in September and also every ..."Oh wow that is so so sweet!!
Just got em prepped! Look around Asheville, NC and Tucson, AZ (I am travelling on the 18th, luckily) for the following selection:
Enjoy Me by Logan Ryan Smith
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn
Hiroshima by John Hersey
Traitor's Blade by Sebastien de Castell
Punch. by Ray McManus
Price of a Kiss by Linda Kage
Hello there,I love this idea therefore I set up a Facebook event for Czech Republic: https://www.facebook.com/events/15163...
Feel free to join us! It will be fun.
Leni
Leni wrote: "Hello there,I love this idea therefore I set up a Facebook event for Czech Republic: https://www.facebook.com/events/15163...
Feel free to join us! It will be fun.
Leni"
Oh fantastic!
Danisha wrote: "Anyone here doing this is Ontario, Canada?" I'm doing it in Vancouver! Book Fairies Canada is very active on Twitter...and they seem to highlight lots of exciting happenings in Ontario. Check @BookFairies_CAN for more info. :)
Gary wrote: "LISA WINGATE TENDING ROSES AND SUMMER KITCHEN"I loved that series!
Think i am found the perefect spot!!!! Yeah so excited
In Johannesburg, South Africa, a group of authors (and me!) got together today to prepare books to be hidden on Monday. The authors - Toni Cox, Sian B. Claven and Sarah Key have all generously donated books they have written, as well as other books they think people will enjoy.In total we will be hiding about 50 books in about 20 different venues - hope you find one of them!
Andrew wrote: "In Johannesburg, South Africa, a group of authors (and me!) got together today to prepare books to be hidden on Monday. The authors - Toni Cox, Sian B. Claven an..."Wow that is incredible!
Shana wrote: "Think i am found the perefect spot!!!! Yeah so excited"Whahooo!
Ellie wrote: "Can I hide my book in school?"Yes of course! That will be lovely for another student to find :)
Man, my stickers haven't arrived yet!!! I'll have to hide a book a little late, but I'll be posting on my YouTube when I finally get them!
I've been doing this for a least the last 5 years - I just add a Post-It note that says --"I loved this book -- I hope you do too"I leave them in all sorts of places in my Bronx neighborhood. I generally go back a few hours later -- in only two cases did I find the books still there -- I took those home - and put them in a different location the next day.
The Bronx is the poorest urban county in the US and we have NO bookstores at all. So I also sometimes buy used children's books just to give away. Kids need books
Sally wrote: "I've been doing this for a least the last 5 years - I just add a Post-It note that says --"I loved this book -- I hope you do too"I leave them in all sorts of places in my Bronx neighborhood. I g..."
Awesome!
Crystal wrote: "anyone doing in New York city??"i am!!
Found adorable puppy and kitty template on Pinterest for the front of the bookmarks. I added some fancy scrapbook papers, stickers and attached a note on the back, Tomorrow I hide 4 books with the markers tucked inside at work. Very excited and can't wait to see my creations adopted!!☆☆☆
Hiding Flora & Ulysses! My area is VERY rainy so I will be using a plastic bag for sure XD
I have four books ready to hide tomorrow! So excited!!
In my country, an abandoned book will draw unnecessary suspicion from law enforcement agencies.
karen wrote: "Crystal wrote: "anyone doing in New York city??"i am!!"
Oooooh ! :)
I hid several books today (Sunday) in Denver, Colorado, as I won't be able to participate tomorrow. It was great fun. Let the book fairy-ing begin!
Mission accomplished!Didn't have time to order stickers though, so I hope the finder can interpret my handwriting :p
Same here, I noticed this too late to order stickers, but I did use the print-out that was provided.Left my first one on the bus this morning on my way into the city to go to work - and it turned into a student transport later on, so here's hoping it will make someone happy.
Will hide another one during my lunch break.
