Supporting the Columbus Community at a Library Hair Resource Fair

Written by Shamichael Hallman , Director of Civic Health & Economic Engagement, Urban Libraries Council

In partnership with Barbershop Books, Inc. , ULC’s Barbershop Books Pilot for Libraries supported a small cohort of libraries in 2023 and 2024 to provide reading opportunities to Black boys directly in barbershops in their local communities. Participating libraries received support, peer learning cohort opportunities and virtual training to connect with and establish programs in local barbershops. Continue reading for a case study from a participating ULC member library.

Barbershop Books Case Study: Columbus Metropolitan Library

As part of its partnership with ULC and Barbershop Books, the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) hosted a Hair Resource Fair on Saturday, March 23, 2024, for children and families. The afternoon offered several opportunities for attendees to learn more about the library, participate in storytimes and meet local authors, get free haircuts from CML’s barber partner The BarberZone Barber Studio, and interact with community organizations.

CML chose its Driving Park Branch to be the host location for the event since it was recently remodeled, and the library was looking to increase its engagement with residents in the community. “We wanted to do it in a neighborhood that both represents the kids that are going to be a part of Barbershops Books and be in the neighborhood where kids can come. We want them to be back in the library,” said Brooke Thomas, K-12 School Success Leader at CML.

Highlights of the event included a hair-themed storytime with the library that invited participants to love and celebrate different types of hair textures. In reading Princess Truly in My Magical, Sparkling Curls, children proudly echoed that of the main character and proclaimed: “I love my hair. I'm glad it's mine. I believe in myself. I shimmer and shine.”

Local author Damon Mosley, whose books are featured in barbershops as part of the Columbus-area partnership, joined the event for a meet-and-greet and read along. His book, Sole Mates, follows the adventures of a 6-year-old with a love for sneakers. “Reading is truly the foundation of learning for children,” Mosley told a Columbus TV station earlier this year. “If you can develop that passion for reading and be inspired to enjoy that love of reading it's going to help you in other parts of your education as well.”

Additionally, the Hair Resource Fair a featured a historical memorabilia display inside the library about Black-owned hair supply companies in the Columbus region, including Willis Beauty Supply, which has one of the oldest businesses in Driving Park. The also event offered giveaways, hair-braiding classes, and featured nonprofits such as workforce development organization Columbus Works, food access provider Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and Central Community House, which brings social services to underserved neighborhoods.

CML’s Hair Resource Fair was just one aspect of the library’s program as part of the Barbershop Books Pilot for Libraries. The library recruited and established Barbershop Books programming in 10 barbershops in its service area. Over the last year, library staff have partnered with the barbershops to maintain bookshelves with curated children’s books available in the shops and to engage in additional library programs and events. As the IMLS-supported pilot wraps up in July 2024, CML is looking to continue the program and even expand into shops in two new neighborhoods: one in Whitehall and one on the south side of Columbus.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant number LG-252555-OLS-22.

Read this article on urbanlibraries.org.