Carla Hayden's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Carla Hayden is an American librarian known for her groundbreaking leadership and advocacy for access to information and literature. Born in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1952, Hayden's passion for libraries and education was sparked at an early age. She pursued her love for books and knowledge at Roosevelt University in Chicago, where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science. Hayden then went on to earn a master's and a doctorate degree in library science from the University of Chicago, cementing her commitment to the field of librarianship.

Hayden's career in librarianship has been marked by her dedication to making libraries more accessible and inclusive for all members of the community. She began her career as a children's librarian, working at the Chicago Public Library, where she saw firsthand the impact that libraries can have on young minds. She then served as an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Information Sciences, where she continued to advocate for the vital role that libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning.

In 1993, Hayden made history when she became the first African American president of the American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world. During her tenure, she focused on promoting the value of libraries in democratic societies and advocating for equitable access to information for all individuals. She fiercely defended the rights of library users, particularly in the areas of intellectual freedom and privacy, and worked tirelessly to ensure that libraries remained a safe and welcoming space for all members of the community.

In 1999, Hayden was appointed as the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, where she continued to make a significant impact on the library world. Under her leadership, the Enoch Pratt Free Library enhanced its digital resources, expanded its outreach efforts, and offered innovative programming to meet the changing needs of the community. Hayden's commitment to providing quality library services to diverse populations earned her widespread recognition and praise from her peers in the library profession.

In 2016, Carla Hayden made history once again when she was appointed by President Barack Obama as the 14th Librarian of Congress, becoming the first woman and the first African American to hold this prestigious position. As the head of the Library of Congress, Hayden oversees the largest library in the world, which houses over 170 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and recordings. In this role, Hayden has continued to push for greater access to knowledge and information, working to modernize the Library of Congress and expand its digital collections to reach a wider audience.

Throughout her career, Carla Hayden has been a vocal advocate for the importance of libraries in promoting literacy, education, and cultural enrichment. She has emphasized the critical role that libraries play in providing resources and support to underserved communities, and has worked to ensure that libraries remain relevant and accessible in the digital age. Hayden's leadership and vision have not only advanced the field of librarianship, but have also had a profound impact on the communities she has served, empowering individuals to explore the world of knowledge and ideas. Her dedication to the principles of intellectual freedom, equity, and social justice has made her a pioneer in the library profession, and her influence continues to inspire librarians and readers alike.