As many know the barbershop is a place where men and even women go to get a haircut. However, it is also known to many as a haven to hang out and talk about various topics. People spend 30-45 minutes getting their hair cut and then spend another hour talking about whatever topic is mentioned in the shop. Many of these customers bring their kids, nephews, nieces, cousins, etc., along with them who have to wait, sit, and listen to conversations that are going on. Usually the children end up watching a T.V. show, reading a magazine, or playing a video game to let the time pass by as they wait to leave. Now there is a better way for children to spend their time at the barbershop as they wait to leave.

Barbershop Books a nonprofit literacy organization in NYC, is a community-based program that creates child-friendly reading spaces in barbershops across America. Instead of watching a show, reading a magazine, or playing a video game that doesn’t benefit a child; a child can use the time in a barbershop to improve on his/her reading skills. In addition, the presence of a male figure there to help a child read is a plus.

“Help black boys ages 4-8 identify as readers by connecting books and reading to a male-centered space and by involving men in boys early reading experiences.”  – Barbershop Books’ Mission

Barbershop Books would like to help eliminate the four factors that contribute to low reading proficiency among black boys.

Recently, Kansas City Chief Jarvis Jenkins collaborated with Barbershop Books to help promote the program. He recommended the program and agreed a program like Barbershop Books could have helped him pay more attention to his school work as a kid.

Help assist Barbershop Books by donating; your contribution can help improve a child’s literacy.

To recommend a barbershop you would like Barbershop Books to become involved with, click here.