Carla Hayden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carla Hayden
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Official portrait, 2020
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| 14th Librarian of Congress | |
| In office September 14, 2016 – May 8, 2025 |
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| President |
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| Preceded by | David S. Mao (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Robert Newlen (acting) |
| President of the American Library Association | |
| In office 2003–2004 |
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| Preceded by | Maurice J. Freedman |
| Succeeded by | Carol A. Brey-Casiano |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 10, 1952 Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. |
| Education | MacMurray College Roosevelt University (BA) University of Chicago (MLIS, PhD) |
Carla Diane Hayden (born August 10, 1952) is an American librarian. She made history as the 14th Librarian of Congress. This important role means she was in charge of the largest library in the world. Carla Hayden was the first African American and the first woman to hold this position. She was also the first professional librarian to be appointed since 1974.
She started her career at the Chicago Public Library. She later earned her Ph.D. in library science from the University of Chicago. From 1993 to 2016, she was the leader of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland. She also served as president of the American Library Association (ALA) from 2003 to 2004. During her time as ALA president, she spoke out about protecting library users' privacy. In May 2025, she was removed from her role as Librarian of Congress. She was then appointed as a senior fellow at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in July 2025.
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Early Life and Education
Carla Hayden was born in Tallahassee, Florida. Her father, Bruce Kennard Hayden Jr., taught music. Her mother, Colleen Hayden, was a social worker. Carla grew up in New York City. When she was 10, her parents divorced, and she moved to Chicago with her mother.
Carla Hayden has shared that her love for reading began with the book Bright April. This 1946 book was about a young African-American girl in the Brownies. While attending South Shore High School in Chicago, she enjoyed books about British history and mystery stories. She went to MacMurray College and then transferred to Roosevelt University.
She didn't think about becoming a librarian until after college. She graduated from Roosevelt University in 1973 with a degree in political science and African history. She later earned her master's degree in library science in 1977. She received her doctorate in library science in 1987. Both degrees were from the University of Chicago Graduate Library School.
Library Career
Carla Hayden began her library career at the Chicago Public Library. She told stories to children with autism. From 1973 to 1979, she worked as a children's librarian. From 1979 to 1982, she helped coordinate services for young adults. She also worked at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry from 1982 to 1987.
Later, she moved to Pittsburgh. From 1987 to 1991, she taught at the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences. She then returned to Chicago. From 1991 to 1993, she was the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Librarian of the Chicago Public Library. During this time, she met Michelle Obama and Barack Obama.
From 1993 to 2016, Carla Hayden was the executive director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore.
Leading the Enoch Pratt Free Library
Carla Hayden became the director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 1, 1993. She helped the library offer special services to the community. These included an after-school center for teens. It offered homework help and advice for college and careers. Because of her work, she received the Library Journal's Librarian of the Year Award in 1995. She was the first African American to receive this award.
During her time as director, the Pratt Library built its first new branch in over 30 years in 2007. In 2015, during protests in Baltimore, Hayden kept the city's libraries open. Many people praised her for this. She explained that since many stores were closed, people needed a safe place to go. She left this position on August 11, 2016, to become the Librarian of Congress.
American Library Association President
Carla Hayden was president of the American Library Association (ALA) from 2003 to 2004. Her main goal was "Equity of Access." This meant making sure everyone had fair access to library resources.
She also spoke out against parts of the Patriot Act. This law allowed the government to access library user records. Hayden was worried about people's privacy. She debated with the Attorney General about this. She believed there needed to be a balance between safety and personal freedoms. For her strong stand, she was named Ms. Woman of the Year in 2003.
Librarian of Congress
On February 24, 2016, President Barack Obama chose Carla Hayden to be the next librarian of Congress. Over 140 library, publishing, and educational groups supported her nomination.
On July 13, 2016, the U.S. Senate confirmed her appointment. The vote was 74–18. She was sworn in on September 14, 2016. As the first woman and first African American in this role, she made history. She was also a professional librarian, which was different from many past Librarians of Congress who were scholars.
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As Librarian of Congress, Hayden wanted to "open the treasure chest" of the Library of Congress. She aimed to make its vast collections more accessible. She focused on digitizing many of the library's 162 million items, especially rare ones. She also wanted to reach people in rural areas and those with visual disabilities. Improving the library's technology was another key goal.
She even hosted young visitors as "Librarian of Congress for the day." In January 2017, four-year-old Daliyah Marie Arana visited. In October 2017, eight-year-old Adam Coffey had the same experience.
Dismissal from the Library of Congress
On May 8, 2025, Carla Hayden was removed from her position by President Trump. This happened two days after she had spoken to Congress.
Many lawmakers and library groups spoke out against her dismissal. They called it "unjust" and praised her work. The Association of Research Libraries said she had "transformed the Library of Congress into a more open, accessible, and celebrated U.S. institution." The American Library Association also praised her service.
The White House stated that she "did not fit the needs of the American people." They mentioned concerns about her work on diversity and inclusion, and books available for children.
After her dismissal, other officials at the library were also removed. No new Librarian of Congress has been nominated yet.
New Role: Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
On July 7, 2025, Carla Hayden was appointed as a senior fellow at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. In this new role, she will work to advance public knowledge through libraries and archives. She will do research and writing projects. She will also advise the foundation on how to support libraries and other organizations that share knowledge.
Honors and Awards
Carla Hayden has received many awards for her work. In 1995, she was the first African American to receive the Librarian of the Year Award from Library Journal.
Some of her other notable honors include:
- 2003: Ms., Woman of the Year
- 2013: American Library Association, Joseph W. Lippincott Award
- 2016: Fortune, The World's 50 Greatest Leaders
- 2017: Time, Firsts List
- 2017: New York Public Library, Library Lion
- 2018: American Library Association, Honorary Membership
- 2019: American Academy of Achievement, Golden Plate Award
- 2025: PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion from the PEN/Faulkner Foundation
See also
In Spanish: Carla Hayden para niños
