guerrilla goodness: library love
July 16, 2011
Jack’s message to the next Harry Potter enthusiast
Can I tell you I am the world’s worst library citizen? …I almost always have a late fee, I lose a book at least once a quarter, and I’m never sure exactly where my card is. Even still, the library, in all her grace, continues to let me try again. and again. and again.
We had a full day of kindness adventures, a marathon if you will, while working on a big kindness project for the fall (which I can’t wait to share!) and we found ourselves at the library. (with a gaggle of kids, dear friends and neighbors) This little outing was after the free slurpee day which meant it was almost impossible to be quiet, but we did our best- there was just mass amounts of excitement over red and blue frozen drinks and new books!
So here’s the mission:
1. Take your trusty little post-it note pad to the library.
2. Leave encouraging notes on the covers and inside of books. (my friend Jen and I couldn’t get out the self-help parenting section!)
3. Trust the universe to send the right book and message to just the right person!
The best part is, you don’t even have to have a library card, or check anything out for this mission, perfect for a library slacker like me!
If you decide to do this mission, leave us a link to your blog or pictures in the comments…or upload the pics to the Guerrilla Goodness Flickr Pool!Check out more Guerrilla Goodness missions here!
Kindnessgirl 
July 18, 2011 at 10:11 am
no doubt about it, you are one of the most beautiful people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing 🙂
July 19, 2011 at 9:29 pm
LOVE this one!! I’m gonna put some sticky notes inside the front cover of the books I’m returning tomorrow! Then, we may have to hit the library for some kindness deeds ourselves!! 🙂
July 21, 2011 at 12:50 am
Such a beautiful idea. Books and loving kindness – a perfect match! We’ll have to try it.
July 22, 2011 at 5:14 am
Love, love, love it! Will definitely be taking up this challenge. 🙂
August 3, 2011 at 8:23 pm
I like to think of it as keeping the libraries open. Without my (VERY REGULAR) monetary contribution, the Richmond Public Library system would be hurting. 🙂
August 13, 2011 at 10:03 pm
[…] fun kindness was an undercover mission to the library armed with my heart post-its, inspired by Kindnessgirl. Many people claim that books will very soon be obsolete with the invention of all the various […]
August 24, 2011 at 7:13 am
You know what they say – if you have a book you have a friend.
August 16, 2011 at 1:37 pm
I am a librarian, I am going to look for notes and leave some of my own! Thank you!
August 22, 2011 at 9:42 am
What a wonderful idea! I love it!
Kathy
August 22, 2011 at 9:45 am
When I was a teenager in our local library all Christine Noestlingers books (she’s dealing with growing up and first love, coming out, first relationships and so forth) were covered with fine pencil notes of other library readers – like myself – talking about their own experiences… the post it notes take it to a different level though…
August 22, 2011 at 9:48 am
I don’t like this: I love love LOVE this!
I have been sitting in the library one too many times, pondering life and love and the meaning of it all. Can I even tell you how much one of these notes would have meant to me?
You’ve made countless people impossibly happy. Congrats!
🙂
August 22, 2011 at 9:50 am
I did something like this in college. Around Easter, I planted plastic plastic Easter eggs all around the JMU campus in the middle of the night and put pretty rocks from a craft store in them with positive (non-religious) messages written on them with metallic Sharpies. They also had candy in them… you can’t leave that out of an Easter egg!
Good job! Keep making the world better, one anonymous smile at a time!
August 22, 2011 at 9:51 am
how sweet! can’t wait to read your other posts!
August 22, 2011 at 11:10 am
Aww thanks, but I hope they don’t disappoint you… I tend to write sarcastic/humorous things. I do try to always be kind, as I’m a super empath and just the thought of hurting others makes me really upset. But you’re just sweet and good all the time. 🙂 The world needs more people like you.
August 22, 2011 at 9:53 am
Oh my gosh! I LOVE this idea!! So very thoughtful and sweet…
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed…it is well deserved. 🙂
August 22, 2011 at 9:54 am
Such an awesome idea.. I’d love to find something like this in a library book 🙂
Edwin
August 22, 2011 at 10:00 am
This is the greatest thing I have seen in a long while! I am so doing this on my next trip to the library. Well done on being Freshly Pressed!
August 22, 2011 at 10:06 am
Oh my goodness, I got chills! This IS kindness. I absolutely love the library and I’m going to implement this practice!
August 22, 2011 at 10:07 am
this is a wonderful idea!
August 22, 2011 at 10:22 am
See? Where is the “LOVE” button when you need it. I’m going this afternoon. What an adventure….in kindness
August 22, 2011 at 11:03 am
What a wonderful, neat idea! Talk about the surprise when someone pulls a book from the shelf and sees one of your notes. These kind words will surely uplift many people. My family loves the library, and you made one even better!
August 22, 2011 at 11:07 am
this is an amazing idea! so nice to get a “love” letter/note from someone out there… and on a book at that. this is quite inspiring! 🙂
August 22, 2011 at 11:10 am
That made me smile. Perhaps yoiu are the one who should be in charge. If we were all like this wars would be a thing of the past.
August 22, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Great idea! I love the fact that ‘Little House on the Prairie’ gets a mention 🙂 I’ve only ever watched the series, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Ever read the books?
August 22, 2011 at 12:12 pm
I love this idea. If I get a note like this, it`ll definitely put a big smile on my face 🙂
August 22, 2011 at 12:17 pm
how fun! i’m in library school–definitely keeping this idea in mind for the future.
August 22, 2011 at 12:17 pm
This post reminds me of Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, not sure if you’ve read it – anyway, great idea! I’ve gotten one of these and I’ll be sure to do this the next time I go to the library… (:
August 22, 2011 at 12:35 pm
This is a great mission. I’ve heard of the same thing being done of notes of money!
August 22, 2011 at 12:38 pm
I love that idea!
August 22, 2011 at 12:50 pm
I love this, I’m going to start doing this at my library! There’s something about finding words of encouragement, kindness that lifts one’s spirits. Thanks!
August 22, 2011 at 12:54 pm
Neat idea. Would work very well too with books you’re selling or donating, except write directly onto a blank interior leaf.
August 22, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Nice post. That’s definitely something I would do!
August 22, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Such a great idea. Spread the love and kindness and it’ll be returned to you when least expected:)
August 22, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Genius! The most prized books on my shelf are the ones with messages on the fly-leaf; whether they’re from friends or strangers, there’s something remarkably touching about sharing the usually solitary experience of reading. Great idea and nice post, i shall be investing in post-its!
August 22, 2011 at 1:24 pm
my first job was at a library – so libraries hold a special place in my heart. this would definitely have spiced up putting away books after school. love it. – al
August 22, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I’m Reading Order of the Phoenix
But Yeah that’s a good idea, I should try that.
Thanks
August 22, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Such a fun and beautiful thing to do! I agree that the self help parenting section needs a few extra notes of love and encouragement. I think I will do this in the books I am giving to our local thrift store.
August 22, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Awesome idea! 🙂
August 22, 2011 at 2:08 pm
LOVE it. Where’s your “like” button? and how do I subscribe to you?
❤
August 22, 2011 at 2:37 pm
I’ve found notes in used books before and, while they were clearly not meant for me, it still felt like the universe was leaving me a gift. I CAN’T WAIT to try this, as I practically live at my public library.
August 22, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Love this idea. I am in the library with my children once or twice a week and would love to find a note like this. I’ll have to leave some of my own. Thanks for sharing this idea.
August 22, 2011 at 2:57 pm
What an amazing idea!! If and when I do so I will send the photo(s) your way!
August 22, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Absolutely brilliant idea. I’ve been toying with a much more complicated version of this for a guerrilla ministry of sorts but this is so much…easier and so much more beautiful. Now if only I could read my own hand writing…
August 22, 2011 at 3:36 pm
loved this post!
August 22, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Very interesting! I’ll try this sometime at our library 🙂
August 22, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Great stuff.
Lovely job here, very unique
http://photogirl23.wordpress.com
Amy
August 22, 2011 at 4:06 pm
I love this! Im definitely interested in reading more of your posts to come! 🙂
August 22, 2011 at 4:09 pm
creative post!
August 22, 2011 at 4:54 pm
i love this idea! one of my favorite things to do is give a random card to friends and family, just to remind them that i love em. this is a great way to cheer up even a stranger. i might secretly attempt this on my own…hide little notes inside books i return. thanks for the idea. it’s great!
August 22, 2011 at 5:19 pm
This is great! When on long flights, I used to write little notes inside the inflight magazines wishing other travelers a fun trip.
August 22, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Lovely idea. You don’t need to leave a book, just a comment. I participate in Bookcrossing.com You leave a book anywhere for someone else to read and then you can trace where your book ends up. Some books travel the world.
August 22, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Dear Kindness Girl,
I love what you do. I love how you’ve chosen to live your life. Many blessing to you and your family!
With Kindest regards,
Sarah
August 22, 2011 at 5:38 pm
This is awesome. When I give or trade books away, I like to do it with a hand-drawn bookmark of some kind, or some little memento of the town where I live (like bookmarks from a local bookstore or an old ticket from public transit) so the person who receives the book gets a bit of a personal touch with it. These days I’m looking at slimming down my book collection and donating most of my books to the library… I can just go and check them out again if I ever get around to reading them. 😀 Maybe I’ll stick post-its inside before I give them away…
August 22, 2011 at 5:45 pm
I love this idea! I haven’t done it yet, but I’m going to try to remember this when I go to the library next time. I think I’ll go to the dog book section and write notes of kindness for people who are trying to train their dogs or have recently loss a beloved canine.
August 22, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Oh, this is just absolutely amazing! I’ll have to do this myself in the future.
August 22, 2011 at 6:14 pm
This is such an awesome idea!
August 22, 2011 at 6:16 pm
As a bookworm, I can relate to you! You aren’t alone being a worst library citizen (that’s hilarious!). This clicked the refresh button of my book-craze mind that has gone outta work. Much awesome ideas flooded even before I read your post 🙂 I’m a member of the Freelance Writers of the Philippines, Education Committee and one of us suggested a Book Talk for the next group’s activity. Much appreciation for sharing your kindness project. ^_^
Hey, I am an avid fan of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew as well! That’s my obsession during my elementary years! I’m also a nature buff and a member of the AUP Trailblazers! wahhh…some familiar things made my heart thump-thump! 🙂
KUDOS for making it to Freshly Pressed! You simply deserve it. Keep your kindness overflowing!
August 22, 2011 at 6:23 pm
We just re-organized our school library & this is such a fun idea! Can’t wait to try it myself with my kiddos (after a Slurpee, of course!!)
August 22, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Beautifully simple and encouraging. Everyone needs some encouragement now and then. ❤
August 22, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Such a wonderful idea. I will be sharing with the Librarian friends I have, and maybe we can try this out. Thank you for sharing your creative and loving side.
August 22, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Love this idea. As someone who works in a library, I say go for it!!
Although some stodgy staff may get uptight, but I just think it’s like reaching out to a stranger and saying ‘this book is for you’
August 22, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Beautiful. Thanks for making the world a better place.
August 22, 2011 at 7:47 pm
That is a really cute idea! I don’t go to the library much because I love buying my books, but I’d make a visit just for that…
August 22, 2011 at 8:05 pm
What a wonderful idea!
August 22, 2011 at 8:13 pm
In my family, we never get rid of books (we’re sort of obsessed with books). We keep them all, pretty much, or we pass them on to a friend or another family member (with the expectation of getting it back someday!). I think I might adapt this idea and have my kids put a Post-It note inside each of their books, with a note to the next reader, and have them date and sign the note. Thanks for the idea!
August 22, 2011 at 9:12 pm
I LOVE this idea! Will be making a stop at my local library tomorrow after work 🙂
August 22, 2011 at 10:36 pm
This is sweat idea, i love it. I can share this for my local library, it will be useful. Thank you.
August 23, 2011 at 12:46 am
This is such a beautiful place to visit… thank you for making it so memorable… love your messages
August 23, 2011 at 1:14 am
I am gonna add sticky notes to all my beautiful books right away… Will give a certain personal feel to all of them… excellent idea… thanks 😀
August 23, 2011 at 1:24 am
Love this!
August 23, 2011 at 2:23 am
that’s cute^^ personally i cant read without a pen or a pencil: i feel a need to doodle or underlining some words or commenting on the book itself and i guess that’s what makes them personal to me 🙂
August 23, 2011 at 3:11 am
[…] guerrilla goodness. L’idea è quella di Kindness girl, che prima di rimetterli sugli scaffali lascia nei libri post-it con messaggi buffi e […]
August 23, 2011 at 3:13 am
i didn.t read any of them, thanks
August 23, 2011 at 3:15 am
It’s a lovely idea, and I don’t like to rain on the parade, but I ran it by our our library’s paper conservator and she’s pointed out that: adhesive on the post stick note can damage the pages severely. So please do share your love of books but don’t damage library books with sticky notes!
August 23, 2011 at 3:22 am
Try putting your message on acid-free card/paper, and use it as a bookmark instead!
August 23, 2011 at 5:14 am
Brilliant idea — a true act of random kindness! 🙂
August 23, 2011 at 6:01 am
That’s cute.
August 23, 2011 at 6:27 am
this is so cool !! its always nice to read notes !!
August 23, 2011 at 7:11 am
I’m on the case.
August 23, 2011 at 7:30 am
Wow, that is such a great idea! I’m already thinking of the books and helpful hints I can leave in my library. Such a kind and fulfilling thing to do! Thank you for sharing, I’ll most definitely be doing this!
August 23, 2011 at 7:46 am
this is really sweet! i have to confess, I am guilty of having done the same thing, although, in pencil… on the back cover… probably not the best idea, given that I myself hate to see writing on a novel, but sometimes I find it hard to resist telling a potential reader how great the book is. will use post-its from now on. promise ;P
August 23, 2011 at 8:00 am
This is such a beautiful idea! I’m glad there are people like you in the world to brighten people’s day 🙂
Emma http://ideasofawanderingmind.wordpress.com/
August 23, 2011 at 8:56 am
I just reposted this on my daughter’s facebook wall. I’m sure she’ll be post-it-ing some love at our local library!
August 23, 2011 at 8:59 am
awesome idea – very postsecret-esque
I can’t wait to share some library love and leave a note. I hope I find a note from someone else in my library who is similarly inspired!
August 23, 2011 at 11:22 am
[…] a laid back day. I’m heading out to the library, and I hope to try this out. My thanks to Kindness girl for the idea, I’m really looking forward to it! I can see […]
August 23, 2011 at 12:45 pm
nice pictures!!
http://rodposse.com/
August 23, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Oh wow looks like a really fun thing to do. Where I am from, though, I do not think there are a lot of decent libraries, except in schools/colleges. Bookstores, though, we have quite a handful of. I wonder if that would work.
August 24, 2011 at 7:40 am
What a wonderful idea! It’s sure to bring a smile to someone’s day.
Peace. http://goingsteadyblog.wordpress.com/
August 24, 2011 at 10:34 am
Now I wanna know how the staff at your local library feels about this particular act of kindness. (I, for one, love it.)
August 24, 2011 at 9:55 pm
If I were in the library…and had a book with a note sticking up form it…i would be all for it. Great work!!!
http://venusfiretrap.wordpress.com/
August 25, 2011 at 12:31 am
This is wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.
August 25, 2011 at 4:01 pm
What a wonderful idea and great mission. And I don’t think I’ve ever checked out a book and turned it in on time!
August 26, 2011 at 1:55 am
[…] No words can express how AWESOME this is..more people should be like the Kindness Girl. […]
August 26, 2011 at 9:27 am
neat idea. that reminds me….i think my library books are overdue.
September 7, 2011 at 1:12 am
I love this idea! It reminds me of this blog I read about Paying it Forward at Starbucks http://readwriteandlive.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/pay-it-forward-starbucks-style/
I have yet to do that too. You have been added to my Bucket List.
September 29, 2011 at 6:32 am
[…] by the Kindness girl blog and some of her covert ways of giving. This is Guerilla giving an Armidale […]
October 19, 2011 at 11:59 am
I once was having a hard time financially and feeling really discouraged. And while browsing at my local library I found a book about hope. I checked it out and when I got several chapters into the book I found a crisp new 20$ bill. I thought first that I should try to return it, but then I realized that someone might of put it there on purpose, it would have been an amazing irony otherwise. This gift was gold to me back then, and let me know that hope was possible. This was of course a priceless gift in itself.
February 27, 2012 at 3:05 pm
[…] so called guerrilla goodness. […]
May 4, 2015 at 11:10 am
[…] an attempt to help you see yourself a bit more clearly, and taking a cue from the Kindness Girl blog, we’re committing to a small gesture this exam week. While studying in the library, if you […]