# Libraries see more book checkouts after districts ban cell phones

> Schools banning cell phones boost book checkouts as students read more.
- Title: Libraries see more book checkouts after districts ban cell…
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: pleasure ridge park high school, jefferson county public schools, cell phone ban, library checkouts, student reading, kentucky schools, news, local, Libraries, see, more, book
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/23/libraries-see-more-book-checkouts-after-districts-ban-cell-phones
- Published: 2026-09-23T13:26:00.033+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pleasure ridge park high school, jefferson county public schools, cell phone ban, library checkouts, student reading, kentucky schools, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Jefferson County Public Schools' cell phone ban increased book checkouts to 4,200 in three months, twice last year's total.