In 2023, Freedom Readers re-launched the Books in Barbershops and Beyond program.  Spearheaded by Horry County Outreach Coordinator, the program has quickly grown to 19 program locations in Horry County.  Books in Barbershops in Beyond is an initiative to have free books available in the community and was born with the idea that we want to see more kids pick up books when they are waiting for their parents, and where do they wait the most?  Barbershops!  But they wait other places beyond that, and we have put little free libraries in multiple locations including the Family Court and Grand Strand Humane Society.

Due to the impact that the partner locations are making in the community, The Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach recognized the program and its sites on September 9th at a Literacy and Environment Recognition Lunch.  Rotary Clubs across the world use the month of September to focus on Literacy as a means to improve all our lives, and we were honored to have the program and its partners recognized!

Books in Barbershops and Beyond is expanding into Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties.  If you know of a location that would benefit from a free library of kids books, please contact us!