Line4Line, a creative literacy nonprofit in Baton Rouge, La, 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.

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.

CHANGE THE NARRATIVE – Change the Narrative is a creative literacy program designed by Line4Line educators combining diverse books with art projects to promote identity, agency, kindness, and joy. This program began as a pilot during the 21/22 school year at at Merrydale Elementary and is currently taking place at Capitol and Audubon Elementary. This program is funded by the Pennington Family Foundation.  To learn more click here.

ARTS INTEGRATION –  Line4Line brings our signature creative literacy art programs to schools and organizations across the Capital Area.  We provide all the supplies and teaching and can design custom lessons tailored to enhance your curriculum. To learn more and request services click here.

YOUTH MENTORING – Line4Line’s youth mentoring programs include our Barbers As Mentors (BAM) Program and School Out Camps at Kernan Park. 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 BAM program expanded  in 2022 with the creation of the Line4Line Clipper Youth Basketball Leagues led by Coach Lloyd and Coach Brady. This free youth basketball program practices bi-weekly throughout the year at Kernan Ave Park, located 1 block north of O’Neil’s Barbershop. Line4Line Schools Out Camps are free enrichment programs held at Kernan Ave 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 love of children.

OUTREACH – Line4Line’s shares our program with the wider community in variety of formats, through participating in large festivals, small school fairs and community partner. Our goal with outreach is to raise awareness of our work, provide free books, create opportunities for creative expression and to connect families, youth, and organizations to our services.