Children’s Librarian Tara Golden THE FACE OF EARLY LITERACY
BY REBECCA FAST. PHOTO BY FOTO ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY
M ixing movement, music and storytelling, Tara Golden, children’s librarian with the Metropolitan Library System (MLS) in Oklahoma City, creates vital community spaces where children, caregivers and families can find acceptance and joyful connection. Backed by a Master of Arts in library and information science and more than a decade of experience with MLS, Golden specializes in early childhood programming for ages 0 to 5. Her Wiggly Wednesday program, at the Belle Isle Library, is thoughtfully curated to support preliteracy skills, foster community and, yes, encourage wiggling. “I see myself as a facilitator helping children, families and caregivers build community with one another and connect to the larger community,” Golden said. “It’s important to me to create a space where everyone feels safe and accepted to be themselves — all while fostering a positive association with the library, books and learning.” During Wiggly Wednesdays, Golden offers gentle guidelines without expecting children to sit still. If a child has a meltdown and needs a break, that’s okay. Golden reminds adults that we often forget how much learning happens through play. Simple activities like jumping, spinning and wiggling develop gross motor skills, while crafts like cutting and pasting paper build fine motor skills. “I put a lot of thought into each activity and try to honor how children naturally learn,” said Golden. “I follow a formula of 80 percent repetition and 20 percent new content. Repetition helps children
master skills and creates familiarity, while new activities keep kids engaged and address different learning styles.” Golden also prioritizes acknowledging everyone’s commitment to attend and offers encouragement for their day. “The work you’re putting into the child in front of you, whether you’re a parent, grandparent or caregiver, is so incredibly important — it’s the magic that keeps the world spinning,” Golden tells her groups. “We often don’t value or acknowledge it enough, but if no one else tells you today, I see you. I know it wasn’t easy to make it here, but you did and you’re doing it. Thank you — and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.” Golden follows a sincere and supportive approach that reflects the values of MLS. “If you go into any kids’ section at our branches, you’ll find toys, activities and purposeful spaces created by talented people who are passionate about their work,” said Golden. “They believe as strongly as I do that families deserve to find joy and community at their local library.”
Metropolitan Library System metrolibrary.org
52 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker