The challenge is to help close the African American male achievement gap by encouraging reading for pleasure. A 2013 study found that children who read for pleasure are likely to do better in math and English than those who rarely read for fun. The library is working to place this program in high-risk neighborhoods where children may own few books. Providing access to high interest, culturally relevant books, as well as increasing awareness of library resources, is crucial. This should help to increase school success. The program also connects the library to another important community presence.

Inspired by an idea in New York City, this program builds a natural alliance between the library and our community. For years the Library has sponsored successful Boys Read programming, and this program offers the chance to expand into the community. In the first year we partnered with five barbershops in neighborhoods with Title 1 schools. The library provides the selected materials, the storage furnishings and maintains the display. The boys are able to take a book home if desired, and the books are always well-loved. We are adding new sites this year.

The library continues to work on emergent literacy with our youngest children and we have seen early success in kindergarten readiness. Through this opportunity, school-aged boys will associate the positive experience of going to a barbershop with reading and the library. Boys find new appreciation for books and may be encouraged to build a home library. It introduces the library to some who have never visited. We are also developing strong relationships with the community and small business owners.