Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Print Books Remain Precious in Digital Age
Print books are still very popular, even with ebooks and audiobooks around.
Many people love the feel and smell of physical books and like to collect them.
Books are important because they carry history, knowledge, and stories.
Some people even publish their own books to share with their communities.
Unfortunately, books are sometimes destroyed in wars, which is very sad because they represent culture and identity.
Despite all this, print books remain special and meaningful to many people.
Print books make up the majority of sales in Australia, despite the popularity of ebooks and audiobooks.
Many readers value the sensory qualities and collectibility of print books.
Print books are seen as carriers of history, knowledge, and shared stories, especially in community publishing.
The destruction of books and libraries in conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza highlights their cultural significance.
Research shows that self-published authors often prefer print books to create tangible records of their work.
- Who
- Readers, authors, and researchers
- What
- The enduring value and cultural significance of print books
- When
- Ongoing, with specific events like the Ukraine attack in May 2024
- Where
- Globally, with examples from Australia, Ukraine, Gaza, and historical events
- Why
- Print books are valued for their sensory qualities, cultural significance, and role in preserving history and community stories
- Print Book Sales
- Majority of sales in Australia
- Ebook Sales
- 4–18%
- Audiobook Sales
- 5–15%
- Special Editions
- Rise in luxury special editions
- Research Project
- Community publishing in regional Australia
- Authors Interviewed
- 27 self-published authors
- Book Burnings
- Nazi book burnings, Bosnian Serb attacks, Gaza and Ukraine destruction
- Ukraine Printing House Attack
- 50,000 books destroyed