Author: Alvin Irby

Alvin on the Laurie Daniel Favors Show

Barbershop Books founder and Chief reading inspirer Alvin Irby was a guest on the Lurie Daniel Favors Show. Lurie Daniel Favors is a racial justice attorney, author and non-profit leader.

How to Inspire Every Child to be a Lifelong Reader?

If you're like a lot of Barbershop Books supporters, you learned about our program through my TED Talk, "How to Inspire Every Child to Be a Lifelong Reader." Since then, Barbershop Books has grown significantly and greatly impacted Black boys and other vulnerable children, especially when it has mattered the most.

Meet William, a Reading So Lit Summer 2022 Youth Instructor!

Meet William! He's one of our summer 2022 youth instructors. He recently wrote us about his experience:⁠ "I hope this email finds you well! I’ve just started college this year, and on multiple occasions have thought about my experience working with everyone at Barbershop Books this past summer. I really enjoyed learning about ways to become a better mentor to young kids, and a better educator in general; I’ve even seen some of the aspects of what I learned translate to my classrooms up here in Troy! ⁠

Help Us Inspire 10,000 Black Boys to Read for Fun!

This year, we are adding more than 100 new barbershop partners, providing virtual summer literacy programing, and expanding our E-Library to include more diverse children’s book. Collectively, these efforts will reach more than 10,000 Black boys. Our goal is to raise $20,000 by midnight on November 29, 2022. Please contribute and join us in placing Black boys in the driver’s seat of their reading journeys. 

More Diverse Books? Yes, Please.

For decades, children’s books have failed to represent diverse characters, communities, and storylines on their pages.

Meet The Barbershop Books Logo Designer!

Alvin Irby sits down with Michael Samuel, an iconic graphic designer and the creator of the Barbershop Books logo.

In Support of Silliness: Why Schools Should Encourage Boys to Play

Boys are often told to sit still in school. But, according to one study, letting boys play and be silly may improve their reading ability.

A Message From Our Chief Reading Inspirer

10 Books that Inspire Black Boys to Read

Barbershop Books curated this fun book list just for you! #HelpTheBabiesRead

The Irby Review

Barbershop Books Chief Reading Inspirer, Alvin Irby, puts his proverbial pen to paper and delivers to you the most interesting articles that come across his desk.