Barbershop Books, Inc.

?? Applications are now open for Reading So Lit Summer! ???? ? ? This FREE, 2-week virtual program helps Black and Brown boys (ages 6-8) explore their reading identities through fun, interactive lessons led by relatable youth instructors. With hands-on activities and engaging discussions, we’re inspiring boys to read for fun!? ? ?? Session 1: July 7–17? ?? Session 2: July 21–31? ? Apply today: https://lnkd.in/enqtY_Tq

?????Fox 2 Detroit covered our Barbershop Books launch with the Detroit Pistons and Brilliant Cities! This partnership is bringing the Barbershop Books program to 10 Detroit barbershops—giving kids fun, welcoming spaces to read for fun. Thank you to Pistons forward Ron Holland II and the The Holland Group Foundation for helping to make this event possible. ?? Check out the segment: https://lnkd.in/dPhDuSTW ????: Cutz Lounge, 19655 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI

?? ?? In case you missed it, the latest Lipman Letter is out! We're thrilled to introduce our 2025 Lipman Family Prize winners: Barbershop Books, Inc., BleagLee, and Technovation! ?? ? Dive into their incredible work, hear updates about our Lipman Fellows and past winners and stay connected with the Lipman community. ?? Read the latest issue now: https://lnkd.in/e-KsriWC ?? Join our community: https://lnkd.in/eHHVd6NU #Newsletter #Lipman25 #leadership #fellowship #lipmanprize

I Love What I Do, Because I Do What I Love! Thanks to Detroit Pistons × Barbershop Books, Inc. × Brilliant Cities kids are reading in Detroit ?????? The Lauch party at Cutz Lounge & Grooming Shop we #Fantastic This new joint partnership is going to do amazing things for the young boys of Metro Detroit. This reading initiative is putting Books in untraditional spaces. giving children more exposure to culturally curated Books ??. Our books and team bring a unique experience to the barbershops. they help start conversations between male role models and the boys that look up to them. Often times Role Models don't even know who's watching their every move.... Dad's are role models, uncles are role models, big cuz is a role model, and Barbers of course are community role models. Together with support from organizations like the Detroit Pistons we can put bookshelves and conversation starters in Barbershops all over the city of Detroit. do you know a Barber or a Barbershop you think would likento join this invaluable reading initiative ?? contact me. drop in a message or comment. let's connect the city to literacy.

Black teachers pour so much into their students—now it’s time to pour into you. Our Black Teacher Wellness Grant is here to support your healing and well-being with $500 grants for Black teachers of record pursuing #wellness opportunities. Your thriving is essential to the reimagining of schools and the liberation of learning spaces. Apply now and invest in your well-being—because you deserve it! Applications due April 7: bit.ly/btp-grants #teachers #teachers #mentalhealth

?? Our Executive Director, Alvin Irby, M.S., MPA, attended SXSW EDU last week and presented?Reading So Lit, our award-winning platform that helps kids develop strong reading identities. From live demos to insightful discussions, we showcased how Reading So Lit inspires confident, motivated, and engaged young readers. Thank you to everyone who stopped by!

?? Our latest 10 Books That Inspire Black Boys to Read is here, packed with exciting stories, big laughs, and epic adventures! Check out the full list below.

?? Barbershop Books has been named a 2025 Barry & Marie Lipman Family Prize winner! Out of 150 incredible organizations, we’ve been recognized for our impact in inspiring Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun. This recognition connects us to a global network of changemakers through the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania, helping us expand our reach and impact. Thank you to the Lipman Family Prize for this incredible honor! ?? Also a huge shout out to the other winners BleagLee and Technovation for all the work they’re doing to drive change in their communities.

?? It’s our founder,?Alvin Irby, M.S., MPA's 40th birthday today ! We’re celebrating the best way we know how—by inspiring more Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun! ??? ? In honor of Alvin’s milestone birthday, we’re raising funds to bring more books, barbershop reading spaces, and engaging programs to kids who need them most. ? ?? $4 = One fun, boy-approved book for a barbershop or home library? ?? $40 = A colorful, kid-sized bookshelf for a participating barbershop? ?????? $400 = A summer stipend for one Youth Instructor in Reading So Lit? ? Join us in making Alvin’s 40th unforgettable—because birthdays are great, but helping kids identify as readers? That’s even better! ? ? Donate: https://bit.ly/3ESAnLu ?

?? Monday, March 10th is a BIG birthday for our founder, Alvin Irby, M.S., MPA —he’s turning 40! ?? And what better way to celebrate than by expanding reading opportunities for Black boys and other vulnerable children? For Alvin’s 40th, we’re raising funds to bring even more books, barbershop reading spaces, and engaging programs to kids who need them most. Every dollar makes a difference! ?? Donate $4, $40, $400, or whatever you can! Here’s how your gift helps: ? $4 = One fun, boy-approved book for a barbershop or home library ? $40 = A colorful, kid-sized bookshelf for a barbershop ? $400 = One Youth Instructor’s compensation for Reading So Lit Summer Join us in celebrating Alvin’s milestone birthday—because turning 40 is cool, but helping kids identify as readers is even cooler! ?????? ?? Donate Today: https://bit.ly/3ESAnLu