Carla Hayden

Carla Hayden, born on August 10, 1952, is a distinguished American librarian and university teacher who made history as the 14th Librarian of Congress. Appointed in 2016, she was the first African American and the first woman to hold this prestigious position, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Library of Congress.

Before her appointment, Hayden had an impressive career, beginning at the Chicago Public Library. She earned a Ph.D. in library science from the University of Chicago, which laid the foundation for her future endeavors. From 1993 until 2016, she served as the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, where she made substantial contributions to the field of librarianship.

Hayden's leadership extended beyond her local library, as she was also the president of the American Library Association (ALA) from 2003 to 2004. During her presidency, she became a prominent advocate against certain provisions of the United States Patriot Act, which she believed adversely affected public information services.

In May 2025, her tenure as Librarian of Congress came to an unexpected end when she was dismissed by President Donald Trump. However, her career continued to flourish as she was appointed a senior fellow at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation on July 7, 2025. In 2020, she was elected to the American Philosophical Society, further solidifying her legacy in the field of library science.