We Inspire Children To Identify As Readers and Enjoy Learning

Our award-winning programs amplify the possibilities, strengths, and interests of Black boys.

Bring Barbershop Books to a shop in your community.

Expand Reading Opportunities

Together, we’re breaking down barriers to reading success.

As an early literacy innovator and a trusted curator of children’s literature, Barbershop Books empowers communities to create transformative reading experiences for kids.

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Curating culturally relevant content

We seek out Black boys’ input, target their interests, and amplify their voices and lived experiences in our content development and book curation.

Our E-Library features fun storytime videos and high-quality, independently published e-books from Black and Brown authors.

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Cultivating children’s reading identity

We develop innovative content and programs that cultivate reading identity, increase reading motivation, and improve reading outcomes.

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Collaborating with communities

We empower individuals, organizations, city governments, school districts, and library systems to support reading in local barbershops.

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What We’ve Heard

“I learned why my son loves Captain Underpants – it’s as silly as he can be – and that the genre is OK for beginning readers. Comics get a bad rep.”

— Ersula R., North Carolina

“He was able to participate in a program with peers and an instructor that reflected him. He really enjoyed participating in the program. He told me after today’s class that he wished it would have continued until school started back up.”

— Sharon M., Rhode Island

“His taste stayed fairly consistent, only he gained more vocabulary describing it. He can now articulate the genre and category.”

— April C., New York City