Courtney Holmes offered back-to-school haircuts free of charge as long as kids were reading while in the chair, according to The Root.

The haircuts took place at the second annual Dubuque, Iowa, Back-to-School Bash last Saturday. Books were handed out at the event, which made for a perfect match between reader and barber.

"I just want to support kids reading," Holmes told the local newspaper. He helped kids sound out challenging big words while grooming them.

"The idea here is to connect people to people and people to resources," the event organizer said."It helps all of us reach our full potential."

Kathleen Winfrey, who took her nephews to get their hair done, echoed those sentiments. "I love it," she said. "It's good for our community."

School starts Sept. 1 in Dubuque.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC