Reading Changes Everything
With a book, kids can imagine new places, explore big ideas, and see themselves as anything they want to be. Reading is also the foundation for all learning—math, science, history, and beyond. Research shows the single most important factor in a child’s educational success is exposure to books.
By third grade, reading proficiency predicts a child’s ability to graduate on time, find sustainable employment, and live a healthier life. Yet, too many children enter school without the skills they need to learn to read. Across the U.S., one in four kids grows up not knowing how to read at a basic level—and the numbers are even more concerning for children from under-resourced neighborhoods.
- 3 in 5 families struggling to make ends meet have no books in their homes.
- 82% of Black male 4th graders nationwide are not proficient in reading.
- Locally, only 6.9% of Black Unit 4 third graders and 1% of Black Urbana 116 third graders are meeting grade-level reading standards.
Low reading achievement among Black boys today will produce men who are ill-prepared to compete in tomorrow’s workforce.
Why Books with Barbers?
Barbershops have long been hubs of culture, community, and connection in African American neighborhoods. They are places where trust is built and identities are shaped. Books with Barbers builds on that foundation, transforming barbershops into literacy-rich spaces where young Black boys see Black men reading, receive encouragement from trusted mentors, and gain access to books that reflect their lives and interests.
When children see themselves as readers, they don’t just read to learn—they read for fun. This shift in identity increases confidence, builds skills, and improves academic performance.
How It Works
- Barbers as Literacy Champions – Barbers receive training in basic literacy development and strategies to encourage young readers.
- Books in the Shops – Each location is supplied with high-quality, culturally relevant books, shelves, signage, and incentives.
- Positive Reinforcement – Some barbers may offer rewards like free or discounted haircuts for kids who read in the chair, or recognize students who bring in strong report cards.
- Changing the Narrative – Every haircut becomes a chance to break stereotypes, reinforcing that Black men read—and Black boys are readers too.
Our Goal
By creating early, positive, and culturally meaningful reading experiences, Books with Barbers will help close the literacy gap, boost reading proficiency, and ensure that more children in our community are set up for success in school and in life.
United is the way to build a community where every child sees themselves as a reader.
Books with Barbers is proudly sponsored by Champaign Rotary and Books from Brek.