MILWAUKEE — A national program to get more kids reading is now in Wisconsin. It’s called Barbershop Books, and it’s seen positive outcomes in states across the country.

What You Need To Know

  • Barbershop Books is now at P’s Classic Kutz, near the intersection of North Teutonia and West Villard Avenues in Milwaukee 
  • Barbershop Books believes the key is creating more opportunities for kids in underserved areas to practice reading and connect with others through books

  • Robert represents the target audience of Barbershop Books. According to the nonprofit organization, 82% of Black boys in fourth grade in the U.S. are not proficient in reading

  • Milwaukee’s Office of Early Childhood Initiatives helped bring the program to Wisconsin and plans to expand the program to more local barbershops

At P’s Classic Kutz, near the intersection of North Teutonia and West Willard Avenue in Milwaukee, the sound of a buzzing razor is now accompanied by something even more heartwarming: the sound of little voices immersed in reading.

There are now fully stocked bookshelves for kids inside the inner-city barbershop. When kids show up for a haircut, or wait as family members get a trim, they get an opportunity to pick out books and read them.

Nine-year-old Robert Evans was reading “Pete the Cat” while waiting for his dad and brother.

“I like the part where [the] cat sings the song when his buttons come out,” Robert laughed in excitement.

Robert represents the target audience of Barbershop Books. According to the nonprofit organization, 82% of Black boys in fourth grade in the U.S. are not proficient in reading.

The owner of P’s Classic Kutz, Percy Walker, wants to help change that.

“I’m a reader myself, so I felt like this is definitely good outlet for the kids when they come to the shop instead of always having to play on the games or be on their phones,” said Walker. “It gives them something to do that is constructive.”

Barbershop Books believes the key is creating more opportunities for kids in underserved areas to practice reading and connect with others through books. That will help them develop a confidence and passion for it.

“You need to know how to read for everything in life,” Walker said. “You want to be able to read over your contracts. You know, hopefully these kids will be able to be doing some big business ventures in the future. Our children are our future, so why not invest in them with something that’s going to be helpful.”

Milwaukee’s Office of Early Childhood Initiatives helped bring the program to Wisconsin and plans to expand the program to more local barbershops.

You can donate to fundraiser to benefit Barbershop Books, here.