"HEY, HOW YOU DONG? I'm Courtney. What grade are you in? Third? What's your favorite book? Elephant and Piggy? Yeah, I got it.
If you thought you'd walked into a library with a greeting like that, you wouldn't be too far off. In fact, you've entered the workplace of Courtney Holmes, also known as the Storybook Barber.
Two years ago, Dubuque, Iowa, held its first annual Back to School Bash, offering needy families an opportunity to learn about free resources in the community. Holmes agreed to participate. He was holding down two jobs at the time and Saturday was his busiest day, but he chose to give free haircuts to poor kids. Several times later he had a light-bulb moment: The kids should earn their free haircut by having to read a book to him.
The idea was so popular that he continued it the first Tuesday of every month for the next two years. Kids would grab a favorite book, settle into the barber chair, and read aloud while Holmes was hair-cutting, offering help when kids had trouble reading.
Holmes, who is married and has two sons, aged three and four, recognizes not every parent has the time to read with their kids. "I get it. You have four kids, and you're working two jobs. Sitting down and listening to them read is the last thing you have time to do. So bring your kids in and let them read to me."
Holmes admits he benefits from the free activity. "There was a seven-year-old who struggled through his book," said Holmes, "I had the boy take the book home and practice. When the child came back a few days later, he read it with no problems. That inspires me."
4. Which of the following best describes Holmes?
A.Active. | B.Confident. | C.Kind. | D.Outgoing. |
5. Why did Holmes set up the Storybook Barber?
A.To earn more money. |
B.To contribute to the community. |
C.To promote public library. |
D.To call on people to love reading. |
6. What's unique about the Storybook Barber?
A.The boss is very positive. |
B.The customers are homeless. |
C.The workers are all volunteers. |
D.The poor kids could read for haircut. |
7. What did Holmes mean in the last paragraph?
A.Reading makes a full man. |
B.Roses given, fragrance in hand. |
C.A friend in need is a friend indeed. |
D.More hands produce a stronger flame. |