Boys, books, and barber shops

The National Institute for Literacy, a U.S. federal agency, and Mocha Moms, Inc., a national support organization for stay-at-home mothers of color, have launched an innovative partnership to boost children’s literacy skills, and they are turning to local barbershops to kick off their new effort.

On June 21 from 3-5 p.m., the Institute and Mocha Moms will unveil a reading nook at Campbell’s Barbershop, 5703 Dix Street N.E., Washington, D.C., complete with more than 250 books for boys and free publications for parents that support the development of reading and other literacy skills at home. The new book nook is part of Boys Booked on Barbershops (B-BOB), a growing national initiative launched in 2004 that takes advantage of naturally occurring opportunities in the community to foster a love of reading. B-BOB reading nooks have debuted in more than 100 barbershops across the country, from Florida to Illinois.

Through their new partnership, the Institute and Mocha Moms are also planning a wide range of national campaigns and activities, including a “Take Your Child to the Library Day” to increase the number of children and families in communities of color who obtain library cards and who read for enjoyment.

For further information about the participating organizations, visit the National Institute for Literacy website and the Mocha Moms website.