As far back as I can remember, I read at the barbershop, or looked at the oversized photos printed in LIFE magazine earlier while my dad has his haircut. Oh! the places I went..., far from Westport. That opportunity spurred a lifetime of reading. Learning. And I looked so much better after my turn in the chair. Thanks, Jimmy!
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Brilliant creative approach to get kids to read more!
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We know that, generally-speaking, poor children in the U.S.come to school with far-fewer literacy experiences than do middle-class children (and not for lack of caring and concern on the part of their parents/adults in most instances). This fact is in large part responsible for the achievement gaps we so often hear about. The sort of revolutionary, smart, creative, out-of-the-box thinking displayed in this article will make a difference in repairing those gaps. Bring the books to the children---and expand their sense of caring community while you are at it (we can all use some of that).
A giant thank you to all of the individuals and institutions/organizations cited in this article. You are inspiring, and true American heroes. May your ideas and actions promote similar things in many more communities.
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Here's my lowtech version of this great idea: I drop stacks of old National Geographic magazines at laundromats, so that both adults and kids can have something to read while waiting.
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It is sad that this is necessary. My kids are getting their hair cut right now and before we headed out I reminded them to each bring a book. They brought books from the public library. This isn’t an expensive habit. In fact, it’s free.
My kids, 11 and 14, bring a book everywhere with them and have since they could read. Before that (and sometime after), I brought books to read to them.
I was often the only one at the doctor’s office or elsewhere reading to my kids. Now my kids are often the only ones with books. Sad!
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Loved reading about this. Going to follow up in Atlanta and see if I can help. Fantastic idea.
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Our education standards would rise if parents acted like parents instead of friends and enablers to their children. How about no phone use times every day. How about limiting all screen time. How about just kicking them outside with no phones and tell them to go play. How about the parents putting down their own phones and playing with their kids. How about taking their phones away and handing them a book.
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How excellent! Now I know more places to which we can donate our children's gentler-used books!
Sending copies /link of this article to owners of hair salons, barbershops, and laundromats around my city and county, along with an offer of some starter books. A welcome addition to the tiny-library project, and similar to public health campaigns that, for example, tapped beauty salons in lower-income neighborhoods in order to reach and reach community members about breast cancer prevention and detection.
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And maybe donate a small bookcase (preferably bolted to a wall for safety from tipping injuries).
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My mother used to say, "everything in moderation". While the current landscape is predominately technology based with a plethora of digital devices which have been woven into our daily life, there is still a need and thank goodness, a wanting for actual books. There is something about the feel and smell of the paper, the weight of the book, and the color and graphics in kids books, especially, that make them so attractive and alluring.
I think a blend and a mixture of real text and technology is necessary.
Every birthday gift I give to a child includes a toy, but more importantly, a book, even a fun, silly book. Reading and ENJOYING reading is paramount for kids. My biggest wish is that kids learn to loving reading at an early age and hopefully that love for reading will stay with them their entire life.
GREAT article NYT! More inspiring articles like this please. Thank you.
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@Marge Keller When I need a gift for a child, it is, more often than not, a book or books. I even give books as baby gifts, especially when the "recipient" is the father, as he can read it to/with his child.
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@M H
No better way to build a library than with books given with love. From one kindred spirit to another.
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This is the way the world should be. I personally have a philosophy that the world is going to pot in part because children are no longer read to by their parents from the time they are born. Children come to kindergarten never having had exposure to books, and our country cannot move forward if this trend continues. These are steps in the right direction, and we should all be following the lead of these innovative souls.
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I follow Barbershop Books on twitter, I’m glad to see similar programs elsewhere. The photo of the boy reading at the top of the article is ADORABLE!
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Brilliant! To the people involved, thank you for a wonderful social contribution, and on behalf of the kids, thanks for a gift they’ll enjoy for a lifetime.
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The expression on Ardon McDonald's face says it all.
Wide eyed and raised eye brows - this little man is truly enjoying this book.
Fantastic picture!!!
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Where can I donate?
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@SS Libraries Without Borders has a website that links to a donation page if you'd like to check it out! https://www.librarieswithoutborders.us/
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Our local diaper bank keeps donated books on hand for children to read while their adults wait their turn at the window. They are encouraged to pick one to take home. It’s remarkable to see how excited the little ones are by the display and how much they enjoy the offerings.
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This article makes my day. Good Job and thanks you.
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The end of Digital; probably not. Just like young people who like vinyl records because they are retro and cool, books are once again becoming popular and ubiquitous. Schools should take note. This generation raised on smart phones will embrace books if given the chance. More book and less Chrome Book.
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I'm an elementary school teacher and I LOVE this. It's so important for kids to see that all kinds of people in their community--not just teachers and parents--value their reading and public speaking skills. Hooray for the business owners, librarians, and others involved in this initiative!
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This is one of the bright spots of current culture. Reading a book, instead of passively watching a screen, is essential to childhood development. The sound of a child reading out loud, or seeing them silently engrossed in a book, should be supported and a common shared experience.
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What a marvelous development! Kudos to the librarians, barbers, and laundromat owners.
It is said that Chaucer had a personal library of ten books, and this was considered very large for an individual. This was at the time of the hand-copied book, before Gutenberg and the printing press in the West. It is so sad that so many homes today are poorer in books than Chaucer was, and so many adults willfully deny themselves one of the greatest achievements of mankind.
May these children grow up to have personal libraries of hundreds and thousands!
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This is the best thing ever. It is easily achievable, not very expensive and has potential for real impact. The folks who are making this happen deserve our thanks and admiration.
Though I wonder if the adults in the laundromats and barber shops are huddled over their phones, like they are everyplace else...
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Takes a village to do right by the kids! Great alternative to screens.
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They could add the waiting rooms at doctor’s offices.
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@Richard Bourne My dentist always had some children's magazines in his office which I greatly enjoyed reading. It was the only part of the trip to the dentist I consistently enjoyed. From what I've heard, this is somewhat common for dentists. Agree that doctors should be incorporating this into their offices as well!
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What wonderful programs! Thank you for bringing them to my attention NYT!
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What a great article. What a fantastic notion – a mini library for kids in barbershops and laundromats across the country. My heart simply melted when I saw that photo of sweet 4 yr. old Ardon McDonald sitting on a big, soft sofa reading “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late” by Mo Willems. It was a refreshing and encouraging change from seeing so many kids with electronic gadgets, tablets, and iPhones in their hands.
I never liked reading when I was small, probably because kid books were an extra expense my parents could not afford at the time and school books like “Dick and Jane” were boring beyond words. I was never encouraged to read out loud which is probably why to this day I stumble if I must read out loud (I still feel like a loser 1st grader at those moments).
One of the best gifts my husband ever gave me was his joy of reading. He is NEVER without a book in his hand. I slowly began to find authors I enjoyed and over the 35+ years of marriage, I now too always have a book in my hand or bag or car, reading whenever I have a few moments.
“. . . children need help in using their voices constructively, and reading aloud from an early age could impart confidence.”
Truer words have never been spoken. I continue to read out loud when I’m by myself. Hopefully one day I will no longer be insecure when asked to read something out loud.
Thank you for such a wonderful and inspiring article.
It’s stories like these that keeps me coming back as a paid subscriber.
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