May 12, 2025 Story by Editor
Dr. Carla Diane Hayden made history in July 2016 when the U.S. Senate confirmed her as the 14th Librarian of Congress by a vote of 74–18, naming her both the first woman and the first African American to hold the post. Her appointment marked the return of a professional librarian to lead the institution after more than four decades.
Early Life and Education
Born August 10, 1952, in Tallahassee, Florida, Hayden earned her Bachelor of Arts from Roosevelt University and her Master of Library Science and Ph.D. in library science from the University of Chicago. Her doctoral research focused on how public libraries serve diverse communities and foster information access.
Trailblazing Career
Hayden began her career at the Chicago Public Library, rising to head of reference before being named CEO of Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library in 1993. During her 23-year tenure there, she expanded community programs, increased library usage, and pioneered digital outreach—especially for low-income and visually impaired patrons. In 2003–2004, she served as President of the American Library Association, where she led the fight to protect patron privacy against provisions of the Patriot Act.
Transforming the Library of Congress
Upon taking the helm of the nation’s preeminent library, Hayden prioritized modernization and inclusivity. She set ambitious goals to digitize half of the Library’s 162 million items and forged partnerships with schools, museums, and technology firms to extend access to rural and underserved communities. Her “Library of Congress Experience” initiative reimagined public spaces, making collections more interactive and accessible for all visitors.
Advocate for Equity and Access
A staunch defender of intellectual freedom, Hayden championed efforts to preserve cultural heritage from marginalized groups and implemented nationwide digital literacy programs. She emphasized transparency and community engagement, positioning the Library as a living institution that reflects America’s diverse stories.
Abrupt Dismissal and Legacy
On May 8, 2025, President Donald Trump fired Hayden via an email from the White House’s Personnel Office, citing criticisms from conservative groups. The decision sparked bipartisan outrage: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer decried it as “an attack on intellectual freedom,” and Rep. Rosa DeLauro called the firing “callous and unjust”. Despite her removal ahead of her 10-year term’s scheduled end in 2026, Hayden’s decade of leadership reshaped the Library of Congress into a more modern, inclusive, and digitally accessible institution.
Carla Hayden’s tenure stands as a testament to the power of librarianship in democracy—championing equitable access to information, protecting patron privacy, and ensuring the Library of Congress serves all Americans.
Source: AP News
