In a delightful twist on the traditional haircut experience, a barbershop in Michigan is turning snips into a literary adventure. At The Fuller Cut in Ypsilanti, just a stone’s throw from Ann Arbor, kids can walk away with a freshly cut hairstyle and a couple of bucks in their pocket—if they read aloud during their trim. Yes, you heard that right!
The innovative “Read to Your Barber” program was launched by barber Jake Thompson, who got inspired in 2015 after hearing about similar initiatives in Harlem and Iowa. He pitched the idea to the shop’s owner, Lisa Carter, who was equally enthusiastic. With a few books from home, the program kicked off, and their library has since expanded thanks to community donations and contributions from the barbers themselves. Kids are welcome to bring their own books, too; as long as they read out loud, they snag a cool two-dollar discount.
As Lisa shares, the motivation behind this reading initiative can be encapsulated in a quote by the influential Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” The barbers are all in on this mission, not just listening to the kids read but also offering guidance and encouragement when needed. “We even quiz them afterward to ensure they grasped what they just read,” Lisa explains.
But this program isn’t just about boosting reading skills; it’s also about uplifting kids’ confidence. “Every time a child holds a book, it’s a step toward success,” she says. “You can see the pride on their faces when they finish reading. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love getting two bucks for showing off their reading chops?”
Parents, kids, and teachers have all rallied around the “Read to Your Barber” initiative since its inception in August 2015. “The feedback has been phenomenal,” Lisa notes. “Parents love it, and the kids are in various stages of learning. Some breeze through reading, while others may be a bit shy or struggle. We encourage everyone to give it a try.”
The buzz around this program has been growing, so if you have some books to spare, consider sending them over to The Fuller Cut. They’re looking for anything that showcases positive African-American imagery, helping kids see themselves in the stories they read.
Both Jake and Lisa, who are fathers themselves, know the value of reading in their families and are committed to instilling that love in others. “Every kid faces their own challenges; we just want to empower them for the future,” Lisa adds. “Let’s spark a reading revolution!”
In summary, The Fuller Cut barbershop in Ypsilanti is turning haircuts into a reading initiative, offering kids a two-dollar discount for reading aloud. This program not only enhances literacy but also boosts self-confidence, creating a community of young readers. If you’re interested in supporting such endeavors, check out more resources on family building options at Resolve or learn about at-home insemination kits at Make a Mom.