More than 82% of Black male 4th-grade students in the U.S. today are not proficient in reading, and inequitable achievement gaps lead to lifelong limits on workforce opportunities and overall economic mobility. Public libraries are uniquely positioned to support reading achievement in Black boys and other under-resourced communities.

In partnership with Barbershop Books, ULC’s Barbershop Books Pilot for Libraries supports a small cohort of libraries as they work to provide reading opportunities to Black boys directly in barbershops in their local communities. Participating libraries receive support, peer learning cohort opportunities and virtual training to connect with and establish programs in 10 local barbershops throughout 2023.

• Cleveland Public Library
• Columbus Metropolitan Library
• Shreve Memorial Library
• Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Thank You to Our Supporters for This Initiative

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant number LG-252555-OLS-22.