Meeting Boys Where They Are: Our Bookshelf Program

Barbershops have long been gathering places for Black boys and men, celebrated as cultural hubs in movies like Barbershop and shows like Marvel’s Luke Cage, where they represent safe and unifying community spaces. Recognizing the importance of these spaces, Black Boys Read Too began its mission by placing bookshelves in local barbershops—bringing books directly to the boys where they already feel at home.

These bookshelves, stocked with stories featuring Black protagonists, heroes, and role models, offer relatable and inspiring literature for boys to enjoy during their wait. Books are rotated regularly to ensure variety and encourage continued engagement. We hope these stories become a source of inspiration, spark family discussions, and create meaningful connections within the community.

While barbershops remain at the heart of our mission, our Bookshelf Program has expanded to include children's clinic waiting rooms, school buildings, and community centers—ensuring more children have access to literature that represents and empowers them.

Barbershops, other businesses and community spaces interested in joining our program can submit a request here: Bookshelf Interest Form

Current Bookshelf Locations

  • Tyson Cuts – 259 Carolina Street, Buffalo, NY

  • SM79 Barber Company – 1569 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY

  • Fade in Full – 1068 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY

  • Ninja Stylez – 1220 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY

  • Signature Cutz – 2312 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

  • The Coupe – 319 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo, NY

  • House of Fades – 805 Abbott Road, Buffalo, NY

  • Mighty Fine Cuts Barber Lounge – 235 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY

  • Barbershop Inside Princessa’s Studio & Art Gallery – 1271 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY

  • Debonair Sharp- 1585 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo, NY

  • El Batey Puerto Rican Center- 175 Rano Street, Buffalo, NY

  • William C. Baird Boys and Girls Club- 2061 Bailey Ave, Buffalo, NY

  • Buffalo United Charter School-325 Manhattan Ave, Buffalo, NY

  • PS 018 Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Excellence- 750 West Ave, Buffalo, NY

  • Andrea Pierce; LMHC-AP Counseling- 1100 Main Street, Suite 100A, Buffalo, NY

  • Best Self Community Behavioral Health Clinic-768 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY

Together, we’re creating spaces that inspire a love of reading and celebrate representation.

Sponsor A Bookshelf Program

Learn more about how you can help bring a bookshelf to a barbershop near you!