Local author Damon Mosley, whose books are featured in barbershops as part of the Columbus-area partnership, joined the event for a meet-and-greet and read along. His book, Sole Mates, follows the adventures of a 6-year-old with a love for sneakers. “Reading is truly the foundation of learning for children,” Mosley told a Columbus TV station earlier this year. “If you can develop that passion for reading and be inspired to enjoy that love of reading it's going to help you in other parts of your education as well.”

Additionally, the Hair Resource Fair a featured a historical memorabilia display inside the library about Black-owned hair supply companies in the Columbus region, including Willis Beauty Supply, which has one of the oldest businesses in Driving Park. The also event offered giveaways, hair-braiding classes, and featured nonprofits such as workforce development organization Columbus Works, food access provider Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and Central Community House, which brings social services to underserved neighborhoods.

CML’s Hair Resource Fair was just one aspect of the library’s program as part of the Barbershop Books Pilot for Libraries. The library recruited and established Barbershop Books programming in 10 barbershops in its service area. Over the last year, library staff have partnered with the barbershops to maintain bookshelves with curated children’s books available in the shops and to engage in additional library programs and events. As the IMLS-supported pilot wraps up in July 2024, CML is looking to continue the program and even expand into shops in two new neighborhoods: one in Whitehall and one on the south side of Columbus.

Estimates based on barber survey responses and projected over 12 months in 2023-2024. Projected counts are not unique and include repeat visits and repeat interactions.