Line4Line, a creative literacy nonprofit in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, uses books with art to excite, empower, and get kids interested in reading and learning.  The organization began in 2016 as several barbers volunteering their time to give young men a fresh cut if they read a book aloud and has since evolved and expanded into schools and other creative spaces.

Our Programs

HAIRCUTS FOR READING  – On the first Monday of each month from 4-7 pm O’Neil’s Barbershop opens its doors to provide boys ages 3-13 with free haircuts in exchange for reading books aloud with a mentor. Haircut for Reading Flier 2023/24 

HIGH SCHOOL BARBERING – The High School Barbering program began in 2020 at Capitol High School and has expanded to Thrive Academy. Licensed barber and certified instructor O’Neil Curtis follows a curriculum that provides an introduction to barbering as well as how to create a financial and marketing plan, find employment or open their own business. Click here for more information.

BOOK ACCESS – To support families, educators and build readers Line4Line presents our Book of the Month Program, a FREE program that gets your child/classroom a new book and activity bookmark to engage in and positively identify as readers. Click Here for more information and to sign up. In addition to Book of the Month Line4Line has a library full of great new books provided by our partner the conscious kid. We can help you pick out the perfect book for your reader, visit our office @ 447 N. Acadian Thruway during business hours, email us info@line4linebr.org or attend one of our community outreach events and begin building your very own home library.

CREATIVE LITERACY-  Line4Line educators have developed a unique curriculum that combine books + art  to build readers, promote identity, agency, kindness, and joy. This program is offered to teachers/schools/community organization in a variety of formats.  Our creative educators can also design custom lessons tailored to your curriculum, to learn more click here.

YOUTH MENTORING – Line4Line’s youth mentoring programs include our Barbers As Mentors (BAM) Program and School Out Camps. The BAM program began in 2020 with a Youth Bowling Program led by  Coach Jimi Jump. Due to the success of the program and interest by parents and participants the program expanded with the creation of the Line4Line Clipper Youth Basketball Leagues led by Coach Lloyd and others. This free youth basketball program practices  throughout the year at Kernan Ave Gym, located 1 block north of O’Neil’s Barbershop and participates in BREC’s Youth League from January – March. Line4Line Schools Out Camps are free enrichment programs held on site in the Barbershop Complex and Kernan gym during East Baton Rouge Parish Public School holidays including summer camp. These programs are led by combination of our L4L educators, the BAM team, and contracted instructors who have experience with teaching and a  genuine love of children.

OUTREACH – Line4Line’s goal with outreach is to raise awareness of our work, provide free books, free haircuts, and to create opportunities for creative expression and to connect families, youth, and organizations to resources. Follow us on social media @line4linebr or check out our calendar to be in the know.