Printed Publications in a Digital Age

When you want to read the Bible or one of our publications, what do you reach for? Many of us no longer pick up a book or magazine; instead, we reach for a smartphone or tablet. In fact, you are likely reading this very article on a digital device. How thankful we are to have our publications available in the JW Library app and on jw.org!

What is behind our shift to digital publications? Many Witnesses prefer digital formats for their convenience or for the additional features. And while we continue to place literature in our public ministry, we now emphasize starting conversations.

As a result, we print 60 percent fewer items than we did ten years ago! In 2015, before JW Library became widely used for downloading publications, most of our printing presses ran on double shifts—a total of 16 hours a day—and some were close to running on a third shift to keep up with demand. Today, most of our presses run on single shifts.

We are not the only organization that is printing less. Several independent studies have noted the decline in printed newspapers, magazines, and similar media in recent years. With the world increasingly turning to digital publications, do we still need to print? Yes! Let us see why we continue to print literature and how your donations help make that possible.

Why Are Printed Publications Still Needed?

Some of our brothers and sisters depend on printed publications. Consider the following examples:

“I use printed publications because I have no other alternative. I can’t afford a device, and even if I could, our area experiences frequent power cuts, which makes charging devices unreliable. So relying on digital publications is not practical.”—Odete, Mozambique.

“I don’t have the means to buy a digital device, and even if I did, the less-expensive devices are not durable and require frequent repairs. I wouldn’t be able to read publications while waiting for repairs.”—Linley, Malawi.

“Because of limited funds, my two daughters and I share one phone. At meetings, we take turns: One of us uses the phone, and the other two rely on printed publications.”—Sinine, Micronesia.

Other brothers and sisters have access to digital publications but prefer printed ones. Note the following comments:

“I often use digital publications. But when I prepare for the meetings, I prefer printed publications. I really enjoy reading the publications on paper and holding them in my hands. I like to highlight main points and make notes in the margins. I could do that digitally, but when I do it on paper, I feel the information has a deeper impact on my mind and heart.”—Márcia, Brazil.

“I find it easier to read printed publications; they don’t strain my eyes like digital publications. Also, I am not very tech-savvy. I struggle with taking notes, downloading files, and finding information.”—Selina, Mozambique.

“I use my phone and computer all day long. But when I want to spend quality time with Jehovah, I prefer to detach from my devices and use printed publications instead. They allow me to read calmly, without being distracted by notifications.”—Guillaume, Canada.

“During the first conversation with someone in the ministry, it is not always easy to ask for contact information to send a digital publication. It’s usually easier to provide a printed copy. Also, we preach in dangerous areas, so in those places, we minimize our use of electronic devices.”—A circuit overseer in South America.

What are we doing to help our brothers who need or prefer printed publications?

Meeting the Need

At our nine printing branches, our presses continue to produce printed publications. During the 2025 service year, we printed over 1.5 billion pieces of literature, including over 3 million Bibles, over 18 million books, and over 941 million tracts and invitations. We spent more than $35 milliona on printing these publications. In addition, over the past three years, we have spent about $10 million to update our printing and binding equipment.

To use donated funds wisely, we print only what our brothers will use. As mentioned earlier, while we continue to place literature, our focus is now on starting conversations. So, over the past decade, we reduced the number of Awake! magazines printed per publisher from 86 per year to just 11 per year. And because many Witnesses regularly use contact cards, we now publish nearly three times as many contact cards as we did before 2020.

“God Truly Cares About Everyone”

Our brothers and sisters are grateful that we continue to print publications. Ricardo, in Brazil, says: “I feel proud to belong to such a loving organization that cares about making spiritual food available to everyone, even those who cannot access digital publications. This allows ‘anyone thirsting’ and ‘anyone who wishes’ to access lifesaving truths.” (Revelation 22:17) Bernard, in Tahiti, says: “I’m deeply grateful for our printed publications. They are a testament to the love, wisdom, and reasonableness of Jehovah’s organization, which ensures that everyone—young or old, rich or poor—can access the good news of the Kingdom. It is a beautiful demonstration of our God’s concern for each individual.”

Andréia, from Brazil, appreciates that her donations help support the printing of publications. She says: “Our organization uses finances, time, talent, and effort to print publications for those who can’t access digital ones. This convinces me that God truly cares about everyone. Even if my donations were used only to print publications, I would still give gladly.”

We deeply appreciate all your donations, including those made via donate.jw.org. They allow us to continue printing publications for those who need or prefer them.