There was a time when I would get excited to get the local phone books each year.  New volumes meant current names, addresses, and even updated business information.  Those were the days when we thought just having a push-button phone was the height of sophistication and very modern.  Of course those memories seem very charming and quaint now.  If I want to find a phone number I just go online and do a quick phone book search.  As for those thick books which still appear each year?  They make great booster seats for my grandchildren when they come to dinner.