NE Iowa Barber Gives Free Cuts to Kids Who Read

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Children who read books to a local barber got a free haircut as part of a community event in Dubuque to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.

Barber Courtney Holmes traded the haircuts for stories Saturday during the second annual Back to School Bash in Comiskey Park.

St. Mark Youth Enrichment gave away books during the event, some of which were read to Holmes. An outreach coordinator with St. Mark says she enjoyed watching Holmes help young children sound out the words they didn't know yet.

The city's acting resource manager coordinated the event, which involved nonprofits and other community partners. More than 100 people learned about free resources and before- and after-school opportunities available to families and students.