Shreve Memorial Library is excited to announce the launch of the Barbershop Books® program in Shreveport. Through a partnership with Barbershop Books, Inc. (BSB) and Urban Libraries Council (ULC), Shreve Memorial Library is one of four public library systems expanding reading opportunities for children in need by creating child-friendly reading spaces in barbershops and providing early literacy training to barbers. Shreve Memorial Library, in conjunction with Bos Man’s Barber College, will hold an official launch event on Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. at Bos Man’s Barber College, located at 2724 W. 70th Street.
More than 82% of Black and Latino boys nationwide are not proficient in reading. Barbershop Books® is an award-winning literacy nonprofit that inspires Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun through child-centered, culturally responsive, and community-based programming and content. In many communities of color, barbershops are cultural centers that families frequent on a regular basis. Barbershops provide a unique opportunity to increase access to books and Black male reading role models and help young Black boys and other vulnerable children identify as readers and develop positive attitudes about reading.
Shreve Memorial Library will launch the Barbershop Books® program at Bos Man’s Barber College on Saturday, June 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The family-friendly event will introduce attendees to the Barbershop Books® program and provide boys in the community with free haircuts and books. Shreve Memorial Library’s Make & Go, Mobile Makerspace, and Mobile Library will also be on site with crafts, games and activities. Attendees will also be able to sign-up for the Shreve Memorial Library Summer Reading Program.
Following the launch event, the Barbershop Books® program will be available at the following barbershops in the City of Shreveport:
- Bos Man's Barber College 2724 W. 70th Street Shreveport, LA 71108
- Bos Man's Barber World 3554 Greenwood Road Shreveport, LA 71109
- Bos Man's Barber Society 1133 St. Vincent Avenue Shreveport, LA 71108
- Standard Barbering Academy 711 Texas Street Shreveport, LA 71101
- Gilbert's Barbershop 1925 North Market Suite 1 Shreveport, LA 71107
- Sir. Graham's Beauty and Barber Shop 1816 Milam St Shreveport, LA 71103
- G Styles Barber & Beauty Salon 3933 Hollywood Avenue Shreveport, LA 71109
- Level Up Barber Shop 8910 Kingston Road Shreveport, La 71118
- Outlaws Barber Saloon 6713 Pines Road Shreveport, La 71129
- Chancel's Barbershop 3950 Lakeshore Dr. Shreveport, LA 71109
About the Urban Libraries Council
The Urban Libraries Council is an innovation and impact tank of North America’s leading public library systems. ULC drives cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships to elevate the power of libraries as essential, transformative institutions. More than 170 urban member libraries in the U.S. and Canada rely on ULC to identify significant challenges facing today’s communities and provide new tools and techniques to help libraries achieve stronger outcomes in education, digital equity, workforce and economic development, and race and social equity.