Wiggly Wednesday: Early Literacy Program
Metropolitan Library System
Innovation Synopsis
Wiggly Wednesday is an exceptionally impactful early literacy program offered by Belle Isle Branch of the Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma City. This unique take on family engagement based early literacy programs could serve as an innovative model of success that could work at ULC libraries around the country. Wiggly Wednesday successfully incorporates early literacy practices and components established by Every Child Ready to Read, a research-based program created to educate people about the importance of early literacy skill building while providing evidence-based strategies for parents, caregivers and educators to help children develop crucial early literacy skills while concurrently breaking down barriers that families feel around traditional Storytime. It creates an inclusive, joyful space where children’s movement is celebrated rather than discouraged. The program was designed to welcome library family involvement to invest in early literacy and grow early readers.
Challenge/Opportunity
At a point in time in 2025 when only 31% of American fourth graders are reading at acceptable grade levels, public library family involvement and early literacy programs are critical to the foundation of learning culture to prepare children for school age and life-long-learning. In 24-25 only 27% of third graders in the State of Oklahoma were assessed at reading proficiently or advanced reading levels. As of 2025, the Oklahoma City Public Schools report that only about 12% of third graders are reading at acceptable levels. While, Wiggly Wednesday was originally launched to address the embarrassment parents expressed when their children would not sit still for Storytime, it has evolved into a highly impactful family involvement opportunity where children and parents are encouraged to enjoy Storytime, free playtime, and to “wiggle” with fun and songs towards the opportunity to support the foundation of early learning and future proficient readers.
Key Elements of Innovation
Innovative elements central to the Wiggly Wednesday model:
•Session design inspired by Mother Goose on the Loose: highly interactive with songs, rhymes, puppets, props, lyric sheets, and only 1–2 books per program; maintaining an 80/20 repeat-to-novelty ratio.
•Loosely regimented structure with predictable rhythms and seamless transitions: cleanup incorporated into the session, bubbles used as a joyful bridge and time for announcements, and hand stamps to provide one-on-one closure for each child.
•Built-in free play (20–25 minutes) following Storytime to promote child-led exploration and strengthen parent/child and peer connections.
•No sign-up is required for main program. When attendance begins to exceed room capacity an additional session is added right after, which avoids having to reset the room on another day. One session does utilize registration to provide a welcoming space for families that might become overwhelmed by the larger crowds.
Achieved Outcomes
Replicated Success: Substantial success at our Belle Isle Library Branch has motivated replicated success at our Almonte Library branch and recommendations to offer the program at all 20 library locations as and enhancement for regular Storytime programs.
•Attendance: More than 200 people participate every Wednesday at the Belle Isle branch. (This represents 800 to 1000 attendees each month) With a total attendance of 10,015 guests between June 2024 – June 2025. The Almonte branch saw an average of 45 participants each week, with a total attendance of 1,911 attendees between June 2024 – June 2025. This program has been exceptionally successful.
•Community Impact: Parents frequently share how the program has supported their children’s development and their own confidence as caregivers with literacy gains, and home learning culture impact.
Supporting Materials
- YouTube Short: "WW Song Bounce"
- YouTube Short: "WW Playtime"
