help the babies read Archives

Promoting Healthy Emotions and Coping Skills Through Children’s Literature

Written by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd, Clinical Psychologist and Children’s Book Author As a psychologist, I am always looking for ways to teach my three young children about their emotions and ways to be aware of their thoughts and feelings. Understanding emotions is key to strengthening a child’s ability to cope and regulate stressors in … Continued

SXSW EDU 2023

Early March 2023 Barbershop Books Founder and Chief Reading Inspirer, Alvin Irby, attended SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas. Alvin participated in a panel titled Building Literacy Access for Black Boys where he discussed the factors that influence reading development and the importance of access to culturally-relevant content to improve reading interest and enhance the reading … Continued

The Barbershop Books E-Library: Empowering Black and Brown Authors to Inspire Young Readers

In today’s digital age, e-books and online libraries have become increasingly popular. The internet makes it possible for people to access a vast collection of books and literature from the comfort of their own homes. Just like adults, children possess varying reading preferences, and some tend to be drawn towards electronic books and digital reading … Continued

Free Library Foundation Community Impact Awards

Graphic with writing. Text reads Free community of philadelphia community impact awards early childhood literacy

We’re a Tools Competition finalist!

Barbershop Books is a Tools Competition finalist! We are one of 16 finalists in the Transforming Assessments track for our SEL-based reading identity exploration and assessment platform: Reading So Lit. The Transforming Assessments track of the Tools Competition supports tools that capture traditionally unmeasured elements of learning to better meet the needs of educators, children, and families.

Program Coordinator Spotlight

Meet Barbershop Books’ Philadelphia Program Coordinator Cynthia Richards! Cynthia is a lifelong Philadelphia resident. She is a proud alumna of Virginia Tech where she earned her bachelors degree in family and child development. She has spent most of her career working in community based organizations serving children and families. Cynthia is a wife and the mother of three boys. She loves to cook, craft and read.

Celebrate D.E.A.R. Day!

April 12th is D.E.A.R. Day! Standing for Drop Everything and Read Day, this special day is about putting aside all distractions and dedicating 30 minutes to reading! D.E.A.R. Day commemorates the memory of author Beverly Cleary. In her book “Ramona Quimby, Age 8,” the main character, Ramona, establishes a nationwide initiative called D.E.A.R Day. Now … Continued

Barbershop Books and Urban Libraries Council Expand Reading Opportunities for Kids

Barbershop Books (BSB) and Urban Libraries Council (ULC) announce their partnership to expand reading opportunities for children in need through an innovative collaboration with four library systems: Cleveland Public Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Shreve Memorial Library and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

5 Tips for Reading Aloud to Your Kids

Reading with your child is a wonderful bonding activity that will set them up for success. We put together some tips below to keep your child engaged. Want more examples of how to read to your children? Click here to watch our Chief Reading Inspirer Alvin Irby’s storytime series.

Did you catch us on Today with Hoda and Jenna?

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day Barbershop Books was featured on Today with Hoda and Jenna. Our founder and Chief Reading Inspirer Alvin Irby, talked about the origins of Barbershop Books while at Harlem Masters Barbershop.

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