Greg Landgraf , American Libraries; What Gives Carla Hayden Hope
"The discussion concluded with a series of rapid-fire questions, one of which inadvertently demonstrated the folly of opposing diversity. Alexander asked Hayden about what food she doesn’t like. She responded immediately, “Brussels sprouts.” Alexander—a fan of the sprouts—was surprised. Hayden declared, “Just because I don’t like them doesn’t mean that you can’t eat them. Diversity is just having choices.”"
Hannah Weinberg , American Libraries; Five Months into the Trump Presidency: Charting the latest offensives against libraries and how advocates are pushing back
"Since our last report, libraries have continued to experience significant upheaval from President Trump’s actions. In May, the Trump administration fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and Register of Copyrights Shira Perlmutter. We also saw legal cases challenging the administration’s defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) continue to make their way through the courts in May and June. Meanwhile, library advocates contacted their legislators to fight for federal library funding in fiscal year (FY) 2026.
Here are several updates on the attacks against libraries across the US and the ways in which library supporters are pushing back."
Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T); Statement on the Termination of Dr. Carla Hayden as Librarian of Congress
"The Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) expresses its profound shock, dismay, and concern at the abrupt termination of Dr. Carla Hayden from her position as the 14th Librarian of Congress.
Dr. Hayden’s tenure marked a historic chapter not only for the Library of Congress but also for the global library and information science (LIS) community. As the first woman and the first African American to hold this esteemed role, she was an international symbol of progress, equity, and the transformative power of open, democratic access to information. Her leadership consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the modernization of information systems, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the championing of marginalized voices within the national and global record.
The removal of Dr. Hayden from office represents a significant and troubling moment for the LIS profession in the United States. It sends an unsettling message about the value placed on diverse leadership, the independence of cultural institutions, and the role of libraries as defenders of intellectual freedom and access to information in a democratic society. Her absence will leave a deep void in national policy conversations surrounding digital preservation, equitable access to information, and the future of public knowledge institutions.
Moreover, the repercussions of this decision are not confined to the United States. Dr. Hayden was a globally respected figure, fostering international collaborations, advancing digital initiatives that transcended national borders, and advocating for the preservation and accessibility of the world’s cultural memory. The termination of her leadership risks undermining critical global partnerships and weakening the collective efforts of the international information science community to build inclusive, forward-looking, and ethically grounded information infrastructures.
ASIS&T calls upon decision-makers to recognize the indispensable role of professional, independent, and visionary leadership in stewarding our most vital information institutions. We urge transparency in the processes surrounding this decision and reaffirm our solidarity with the broader LIS community in advocating for principles of equity, access, and the public good in all matters concerning information stewardship.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Carla Hayden for her exemplary service and leadership and commit ourselves to upholding the values she so powerfully embodied throughout her career."
Carla Hayden was sworn in as the 14th Librarian of Congress on September 14, 2016. Dr. Hayden, the first woman and the first African American to lead the national library, was nominated to the position by President Barack Obama on February 24, 2016, and her nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate later that year on July 13.
Her vision for America’s national library, connecting all Americans to the Library of Congress, has redefined and modernized the Library’s mission: to engage, inspire and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity.
During her tenure, Dr. Hayden has prioritized efforts to make the Library and its unparalleled collections more accessible to the public. Through her social media presence, events and activities, she has introduced new audiences to many of the Library’s treasures – from Frederick Douglass’ papers, to the contents of President Abraham Lincoln’s pockets on the night of his assassination, to James Madison’s crystal flute made famous by Lizzo.
https://www.loc.gov/about/about-the-librarian/
Welcome Message from Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, films and video, audio recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The Library is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.
The Library preserves and provides access to a rich, diverse and enduring source of knowledge to inform, inspire and engage you in your intellectual and creative endeavors. Whether you are new to the Library of Congress or an experienced researcher, we have a world-class staff ready to assist you online and in person.
I encourage you to visit the Library of Congress in person in Washington, D.C., explore the Library online from wherever you are and connect with us on social media.
Sincerely,
Librarian of Congress"
