We have all heard the phrase “it takes a village,” but perhaps what it really takes is a community.
As a teacher of twenty years, I have witnessed a steady shift away from reading for enjoyment and from holding real books and magazines in our hands. The research is clear: reading from paper is best. Comprehension, retention, and focus are stronger, and even our eyes benefit.
Whether watching the news, reading the latest articles, or simply observing families out and about, it is hard not to notice how much things have changed. And not necessarily for the better. There is less talking and laughing, more scrolling and tapping. But like all things that start trending in the wrong direction, we can learn, pivot, grow, and change as individuals and as communities.
In June 2025, I founded the Croton Community Collective (CCC) after leading a parent workshop series through my organization, Mindful Tech Lessons, which helps educate and empower parents and caregivers to support children in today’s “digital world.” The workshop was standing room only, and one thing was immediately clear: this is a community that cares deeply. We want more for our children and want to support one another along the way.
Our collective is one of many grassroots local groups spreading nationally around the country and being featured on Smartphone Free Childhood, U.S. We have built a network of parents, caregivers, and community members united by one mission:
A big part of that mission involves offering other alternatives, and reading a real book and browsing a magazine is a wonderful place to start.
Many of us grew up lucky enough to be surrounded by real books and magazines. There was always something to read while waiting for a haircut or sitting in a diner. It was part of everyday life. Then Covid hit, and they disappeared. Most never came back. After all, isn’t someone always holding a screen now?
In September, our collective launched a special initiative. The goal was to invite local children to decorate, paint, and color boxes, an entirely screen free activity, and then fill those boxes with books, activity books, and magazines for children from toddlers to teens.
Well… it’s working.
This project was led by Louisa Bender, Meirah Kriegman, and myself. We will admit we were a bit nervous at first as we began approaching local businesses, coffee shops, eateries, salons, and gyms. We asked: “At no cost to you, would you host a CCC Enjoy a Good Read box? We’ll maintain it, we’ll replenish it, it won’t be messy, and we promise it will be a huge support to families on the go.”
It is a modern day twist on “take a penny, leave a penny,” only now it’s “take a book, leave a book.” And Croton, it turns out, is a community of readers.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Hundreds of book and magazine donations have poured in, all organized and distributed by community volunteers. Local youth groups, preschools, and families have joined in decorating boxes, and children love discovering where their boxes end up!
This project has become a true community effort, connecting our youngest readers with our most senior residents. Some have donated books, others have spread the word, and many businesses have eagerly offered to host. We are offering community service hours to middle and high school students for checking the box monthly to restock, organize, and maintain them.
Our hope is that this idea spreads to nearby towns and beyond and that we can bring back the joy of reaching for something new to read while waiting, creating an off screen norm that celebrates curiosity and connection.
One last fun fact: a talented local mom, Rebecca Lysen, designed three wonderful logos that capture our mission. Every CCC member and their children voted for their favorite. One day, we hope a parent will smile and tell their child, “Did you know that when I was young, I voted for that logo?”
It really does take a community, and I am deeply grateful to the beautiful Croton community for helping turn this teacher mom’s wild idea into a reality.
Jill is a veteran teacher of nearly twenty years and founder of Mindful Tech Lessons, which supports families and educators in creating more mindful tech habits. She started the Croton Community Collective in her hometown and is happy to help other communities start similar initiatives.
