Long gone are the days of public libraries serving only those who walk through the doors. Along with three other library systems, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library outreach team developed barbershop-based reading spaces and increased reading opportunities for boys of color in their local communities under the direction of Urban Libraries Council’s project called Barbershop Books.

Each library partner identified and recruited 10 local barbershops, set up and maintained a bookshelf of children’s literature in each shop, and partnered with the barbershops to host community events. The Library integrated the program into a systemwide goal of ensuring Library services are within one mile of all community residents.

The goal of outreach is to reach people who can’t use the Library and its resources traditionally. Barbershop Books is an extension of our work with an emphasis on representation,” said Meryle Leonard, assistant director of outreach.

The pilot improved access to books for an estimated 37,648 Black and African American children 8 and under in Mecklenburg County in FY24 by locating books in barbershops within a one-mile proximity radius of their households. Along with strengthening community partnerships, the Barbershop Books program increased the visibility of Library resources and services for those who need them most.