Literature Committee Agenda - January 2026

1. Introductions

2. Elect or Volunteer Secretary

3. Discuss our “why?” as a committee

Excerpts from the Literature Workbook:

“AA co-founder Bill W often called the influence of literature ‘incalculable’. Bill wrote in the 1964 issue of the AA Grapevine:
‘Suppose, for instance, that during the last 25 years AA had never published any standard literature… no books, no pamphlets. We need little imagination to see that by now our message would be hopelessly garbled. Our relations with medicine and religion would have become a shambles. To alcoholics generally we would be a joke and the public would have thought us a riddle. Without its literature, AA would certainly have bogged down in a welter of controversy and disunity.’ “

“Literature committees at the district and area level exist today to educate the Fellowship about Conference-approved literature and related service material. More importantly, they exist to maintain the integrity of the AA message.”

“The importance of literature to Alcoholics Anonymous cannot be overstated. Experience indicates that a thorough knowledge of AA literature is a good way to assure that our primary purpose remains the focus for successful AA groups and members. By emphasizing our books, pamphlets, audiovisual and digital service material we can all better participate as part of the solution.”

4. Discuss goals for the 2026/2027 rotation

Excerpts from the Literature Workbook:

“So, what is the purpose of literature service work in Alcoholics Anonymous?
-To inform groups and districts, through displays and other suitable methods, of all available Conference-approved literature, audio-visual material, and other special items
-To help groups and districts understand the vital role Conference-approved literature has in carrying the AA message
-To consider suggestions regarding proposed additions to and changes in Conference-approved literature and audio-visual material
-To encourage AA members to read and purchase AA literature”

“The Area Literature Committee also provides service-oriented literature for groups, district, and area functions as needed, funded, and requested.”

5. Old Business

• no Agenda Items currently assigned to committee
• Q4 ending balance of Literature funds:
  $1221.27 bank balance + $255.54 cash box = $1476.81 total (This is separate from funding for hotel and travel for the Literature Committee Chair)

6. New Business

• AAWS price increase goes into effect February 1, 2026. This includes an increase of $3 per item for books and 15 percent for all other literature items. Background letter attached.*
• Now is the best time to buy literature!
• How do we best inform the fellowship of the upcoming price increase?

7. Any other thoughts from committee members?

*Background letter on AAWS price increase:

To: GSRs, DCMs, Trustees, Non-trustee Directors, Area Officers & Committee Chairs, Delegates, Appointed Committee Members, Intergroups and Central Offices, Group Contacts, GSO and Grapevine Employees

December 22, 2025

Dear A.A. Friends:

Warm greetings – we hope this letter finds you well.

We are writing to inform you of an upcoming literature price increase affecting our English, Spanish, and French books, booklets, pamphlets, and other literature items. At the December meeting of the A.A. World Services Board, the board approved a price increase of $3 per item for books and a 15 percent increase for all other literature items, with standard rounding applied.

The new prices will go into effect on February 1, 2026.

For historical perspective, the last price increase occurred in April 2023, and the previous increase was in 2014. As with the 2023 increase, this decision is the result of prudent fiscal planning and the goal of long-range stability. Like organizations everywhere, Alcoholics Anonymous is impacted by current economic changes and challenges. One of the most significant challenges we continue to face, as we did in 2023, is the increasing costs associated with the sale of literature.

It is important to note that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the combined costs of production, materials, warehousing, and shipping—collectively referred to as the cost of goods sold—generally ranged between 31% and 34% of sales. Over the past several years, those costs have fluctuated between 42% and 56% of sales, resulting in an annual revenue loss exceeding $1.8 million. We do not expect these costs to return to pre-pandemic levels. This impact is especially significant given that the General Service Office is supported through both voluntary contributions and revenue generated from literature sales.

We continue to diligently and carefully monitor and reduce expenses where possible, always mindful of the profound significance of each “nickel in the basket” sent to the General Service Board.

Updated pricing will be reflected in the online store when the increase goes into effect.

For this increase, the following guidelines will apply:

• Books are defined as any item whose item number begins with B, SB, or FB.
  • These items will receive a $3 per-item increase, excluding B-0 (Alcoholics Anonymous Facsimile First Printing of the First Edition—recently reduced to a discounted $2 USD List Price) and B-28 (A.A. for the Older Alcoholic).
• B-0 will remain unchanged and is the only exception to the book price increase.
• B-28 will receive a 15% price increase.
• All other literature items will receive a 15% price increase.
• Literature sets will reflect a $3 increase per book

We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

With gratitude for your service,

Ken T.
Chair, AAWS Board

Bob W.
General Manager, G.S.O.