When students at Pleasure Ridge Park High School walk into the library this year, something feels different. The checkout desk is busier and the students are lining up, not for Wi-Fi passwords, but for books.
Librarian Erin Reed, who has worked at PRP for 16 years, says it is amazing to see students enjoying the library so much.
“Many students have told me that since they cannot be looking at their cell phones during lunch or any other part of the school day, they are checking out books to read instead,” Reed said. “It’s wonderful!”
In just the first 17 days of the 2025-26 school year, PRP students have checked out more than 1,200 books, nearly half the total number borrowed during the entire 2024-25 school year.
"I have four library books out right now," Michael, a PRP High senior, said. "Last year, I didn't check out any books from the library."
And it’s not just PRP. Across Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), librarians are reporting record checkouts since the district implemented a policy banning student use of cell phones, smart watches and other digital devices during the school day.
Ballard High - 798 checkouts this August, up from 341 last year
Butler High - 40% of the student body currently has a book checked out, double the number who borrowed books all last year
Central High - 857 checkouts this August, up from 341 last year
Seneca High- 953 checkouts this August, up from 575 last year
Waggener High - 1,069 checkouts this August, up from 232 last year
Western High - 568 checkouts this August, up from 354 last year
Crosby Middle - 1,085 checkouts this August, up from 570 last year
Farnsley Middle - 1,003 checkouts this August, up from 92 last year
Dr. Lynn Reynolds, executive director of library media services, says this trend shows just how powerful libraries can be when students put their phones down.
“Seeing students turn from phones to pages reminds me why libraries matter so deeply,” Reynolds said. “Engagement with books is one of the best kinds of social activity at this age. It gives kids a way to connect, imagine and grow together.”
At Butler High, librarian Hayley Hundley has noticed a transformation happening in real time.
“Students used to be glued to their phones, but now they are engaged with something many thought they would never enjoy,” Hundley said. “I cannot wait to see the impact this has on literacy and student achievement.”
Waggener High School librarian Kristen Heckel says she’s excited about the growing culture of reading.
“Students are reading books, talking about them and checking out more. They are using the computer for the online catalog and finding books they want, not just checking out the first book they see,” Heckel said. “They are excited about reading, and I hope that translates into improved literacy for them.”
While books are at the center of the shift, schools are also seeing students rediscover face-to-face interaction. Some schools have stocked board games, card games and coloring books to keep up with demand.
At Central High, librarian Adrian Layne says students who once sat alone scrolling are now laughing, playing and talking with peers.
“It’s beautiful,” Layne said.
With fewer distractions, JCPS students are turning to reading, sparking conversations and building connections, reminding everyone that sometimes the simplest tools, like a good book, can have the biggest impact.