I remember when I was a little kid, the newest phone books used to be delivered each year by the end of April, first week of May. Always had a 'photograph[ on the cover ( a lighthouse, boats on the water, flower garden). They'd be wrapped in a plastic bag and tossed on the front steps of my house. I recall a neighbor of mine used to deliver (never in our neighborhood - he delivered in another section of the state which was a long drive) and he would earn 25 cents per house delivered. I remember him saying he never opted for cash, he would opt to have whatever he made in total 'credited' to his phone bill (and he wouldn't have to pay a bill all summer).
Are phone books still being printed ? When was the last time you got a delivery ? I think my last time was around 2010.