Haircuts for Reading. On the first Monday of the month (Oct – May) from 4-7pm the team at O’Neil’s Barbershop provides free haircuts to boys in exchange for reading books In 2016 the program expanded to local elementary schools and in 2023 we began including hairstyles for girls. This free program is is designed for kids 3-16, and include free books and a healthy dinner. Staff and volunteers provide reading support, lead activities and games. 2024/2025 schedule
High School Barbering Program introduces students to the art and business of barbering through hands-on learning and relatable mentoring designed to build student’s engagement in school, interests in learning and skills. As part of this High School Barbering pr0gram Line4Line provides Scholarships to select students as well as Paid Apprenticeship.
Books & Art – Line4Line’s creative literacy programs engage youth 3-12 as readers and creative learners. Through programs in the schools, at our program site and with community partners L4L educators lead activities that strengthen reading skills, encourages reluctant readers, builds confidence and hones critical thinking through artistic engagement.
Book Access Programs – Book Access Program. Increasing book access for children, families and educators in the greater Baton Rouge area. The Book of the Month program, provides free new diversity focused books to families and teachers with the goal of assisting them with creating a personal library. Research has shown that having a personal library increases children’s academic success, vocabulary development, and attention to detail skills.
Youth Mentoring Line4Line’s barbers are our best mentors. Our Barbers as Mentors Program includes several initiatives including our Haircut for Reading Program, Clippers Youth Basketball, Bowling and Cheer Programs. In 2022 Line4Line entered into an agreement with BREC for the use of Kernan Gym located one block west of the barbershop complex. Clippers Youth Basketball, Cheer Practice and Out of School Time camps take place at Kernan Gym.
Clippers Youth Basketball League 2025 Info
Outreach. Line4Line attends community events both large and small with our books, activities and mobile barber/bookmobile. We also provide instruction to community partner organizations throughout the year to inspire their young people as readers and creators. Click Here to request Line4Line at your event / school /program.
Curriculum Development & Instruction In 2021 Line4Line began working with the Big Buddy Program to developed a creative literacy curriculum for their summer and after school Bookwork Program. In 2021 a grant from Pennington Foundation funded a pilot of the Change the Narrative Curriculum at Merrydale Elementary. The program expanded in 2022/2023 to serve students at Capitol Elementary and Audubon. Line4Line provides creative literacy instruction for interested teachers and community organizations and provides the program to three EBRPSS schools as part of the 21st Century Afterschool Program. All lesson plans are available for free on our resource page. We can also arrange to lend local teachers copies of books and select art materials. For schools and organizations interested in having Line4Line educators provide creative literacy instruction at your site, or would like to work with us to develop lessons specific to specific curricular needs contact us.
Youth City Lab In 2020 Line4Line joined forces with Humanities Amped, Big Buddy Program and Front Yard Bikes as the Angel Coalition to establish the Youth City Lab, a full service youth program facility located in Mid-City providing young people with access to a variety of out-of-school programs under one roof. The YCL is currently involved in a Capitol Campaign to renovate a historic church on Government Street which will house the four programs including the Line4Line Barbershop and Library where young people can learn barbering trade, be supported as readers, inspired as learners and mentored as entrepreneurs. Make a Donation to YCL Campaign. Construction begins January 2025 with the goal of having YCL open for programs Summer 2025