As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to recognize the contributions of Black professionals who have shaped the library profession. This blog series highlights library industry trailblazers and some of our own KDL staff members whose work has left an indelible mark on our community.
Dr. Carla Hayden made history in 2016 when she became the first woman and the first African American to serve as the Librarian of Congress. Born on August 10, 1952, in Tallahassee, Florida, Hayden began her career at the Chicago Public Library. She earned her Ph.D. in Library Science from the University of Chicago.
Before her appointment as Librarian of Congress, Hayden was the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, where she advanced the library system into the digital age and increased public access to library resources. As president of the ALA from 2003 to 2004, Hayden was a vocal advocate for library users' privacy and public access to information.
During her tenure as Librarian of Congress, Hayden has prioritized efforts to make the Library and its collections more accessible to the public. She has introduced new audiences to many of the Library’s treasures and launched initiatives to engage underrepresented communities. Her ongoing work continues to modernize the Library of Congress and make it more accessible to the public.
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