Hide a Book with Goodreads on September 18th (with Updates)

Posted by Hayley on August 28, 2017

Goodreads Turns Ten is sponsored by Audible. Enjoy a free book with your trial.

"Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book."
-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!



Comments Showing 401-429 of 429 (429 new)

dateUp arrow    newest »

message 401: by Ariesfasten (new)

Ariesfasten good


message 402: by M (new)

M Bookcrossing should sue your fairy asses.


message 403: by Jeremiah (last edited Sep 18, 2017 03:14AM) (new)

Jeremiah That moment you realize you might be the only one aware of the #hideabookday in your country... ohh well, I'll re-read my old books. Enjoy everyone and pass it on.... :)


message 404: by Alex (new)

Alex Ordered the stickers on 30th of August, but they haven't arrived yet:(. delayed #hideabookday


message 405: by Anthony (new)

Anthony Dark Matter

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

I thought this book was awesome! I could not put it down. I never read so fast in my life!


message 406: by karen (new)

karen i don't know if i hashtagged properly, but my book was hidden in the wee, foggy hours...

https://twitter.com/karenbrissette?la...


message 407: by Cordelia (new)

Cordelia 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..."

This is so incredible. Such an inspiring thing to do to get more children reading :) What a shame no bookstores!


message 408: by Cordelia (new)

Cordelia karen wrote: "i don't know if i hashtagged properly, but my book was hidden in the wee, foggy hours...

https://twitter.com/karenbrissette?la..."


Looks good to me!


message 409: by Cordelia (new)

Cordelia Alex wrote: "Ordered the stickers on 30th of August, but they haven't arrived yet:(. delayed #hideabookday"

That sucks, so sorry to read that. If you're worried, best get in touch with the book fairies to see if they can send a replacement :)


message 410: by Ju (new)


message 411: by Jolene (new)

Jolene Great news! 4 out of my 5 hidden books were found before noon. Let's see if #5 finds a new friend!


message 412: by Barbara (new)

Barbara Ordered my stickers a couple weeks ago & have not shown up:(


message 413: by Alicat (new)

Alicat I never find one. I have looked in a lot of places this year. Guess it wasn't meant to be.


message 414: by John (last edited Sep 18, 2017 11:41PM) (new)

John Nine Stories Salinger


message 415: by NormaCenva (new)

NormaCenva Just bought my stickers, I know it is late, but I am still so excited! Will be dropping my books at Blue Anchor Lane in Bermondsey, London, UK.


message 416: by Robin (new)

Robin Hid my first book today! 'This is Where it Ends' by Marieke Nijkamp in the lobby at my dentist's office


message 417: by Dixie-Lee (new)

Dixie-Lee Campbell Thank you for sharing Rachel Lacey ... although I'm late... I too am going to be a Book Fairy . Love ... this idea ... after all ... Maybe too, lyrics there can be written to the music of " The Twelves Days Christmas." "The Twelve Days of Hide a BookDay" :-)


message 418: by Dixie-Lee (new)

Dixie-Lee Campbell Brenda wrote: "I just bought my Goodreads Pack, which includes 9 Book Fairy stickers, 3 Goodreads stickers, and a guide to Hide a Book Day.

It cost me $6.43 in U.S. dollars, including shipping."


:-)


message 419: by Tianna Grace (new)

Tianna Grace I hid four books in Fairmont MN! Look at parks and in the mall for,

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austin
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
and a children's Thomas book!


message 420: by Skyler (new)

Skyler Just my book today!
Spaniel in a Stocking (Animal Ark Holiday Special #19)
by Ben M. Baglio


message 421: by Skyler (new)

Skyler Dixie-Lee wrote: "Thank you for sharing Rachel Lacey ... although I'm late... I too am going to be a Book Fairy . Love ... this idea ... after all ... Maybe too, lyrics there can be written to the music of " The Twe..."

Like the song idea!


message 422: by Robin (last edited Sep 19, 2017 01:50PM) (new)

Robin The Matchmaker
I was sick yesterday but today I hid my book. It was one of my mothers books that I inherited so I thought this was a good way to carry on her love of books.


message 423: by Christine (new)

Christine I'll be hiding my last two tomorrow 9/20 just for kicks. I wanted to spread the love. I'm looking at you Black Mountain and Asheville, North Carolina 😍


message 424: by Cordelia (new)

Cordelia Robin wrote: "The Matchmaker
I was sick yesterday but today I hid my book. It was one of my mothers books that I inherited so I thought this was a good way to carry on her love of books."


How beautiful. I did the same with my Gma's books on Monday :)


message 425: by Jolene (new)

Jolene Jolene wrote: "Great news! 4 out of my 5 hidden books were found before noon. Let's see if #5 finds a new friend!"

Mission accomplished, all 5 found & have new homes. I can't wait to do this again! So fun!


message 426: by Sandrine (new)

Sandrine That was so much fun to hide books !!! I will keep on doing it from time to time :-)


message 427: by Jolene (new)

Jolene Anyone hiding books this month? Making bookmarks from extra scrapbook supplies is awesome!


message 428: by Sally (new)

Sally I have 2 books to hide this month. Making bookmarks is a great idea😊


message 429: by [deleted user] (new)

This is great. Too bad i missed it this year.


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