From Valleynewslive · · 1m
Libraries see more book checkouts after districts ban cell phones
Schools banning cell phones boost book checkouts as students read more.
In brief
Schools banning cell phones boost book checkouts as students read more. Jefferson County Public Schools' cell phone ban increased book checkouts to 4,200 in three months, twice last year's total. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Cell phone ban starts
Jefferson County Public Schools implemented a cell phone ban across the district at the start of the 2025 school year.
Book checkouts double
Librarian Erin Reed reported 4,200 books checked out in the first three months of school, twice last year's total.
Students socialize more
Students sit together in the library discussing books, a change from previous behavior.
Superintendent says engagement improves
Superintendent Brian Yearwood noted increased classroom engagement since the cell phone ban took effect.
Student reaction mixed
Senior Noah Berry initially opposed the ban but now reads more books, saying phones don't tell better stories than books.
Psychologist links reading to ban
Psychotherapist Tom Kersting believes the phone ban directly caused the reading increase.
The one thing
Jefferson County Public Schools' cell phone ban increased book checkouts to 4,200 in three months, twice last year's total.
