Carla Hayden, the former Librarian of Congress, has publicly addressed her recent termination, stating she does not believe it was personal.
In a conversation with CBS’ Robert Costa on ‘CBS Sunday Morning News,’ Hayden expressed her concerns regarding the lack of awareness from the White House about the actual responsibilities and functions of the Library of Congress.
Appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, Hayden made history as the first woman and the first Black person to serve in the role of Librarian of Congress.
Her tenure was set to last until September 2026 but ended abruptly when she received a termination email on May 8 from President Donald Trump, effective immediately.
At 72, Hayden reflected on her career and the impact she aimed to have, particularly highlighting her previous role as the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library system in Baltimore.
During her 23 years at the helm of the Baltimore library, she oversaw significant advancements in digital access and the enhancement of its African American collection, which included important digital archives relevant to Black history in Maryland.
The termination stirred controversy, particularly in how it was framed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Hayden was let go because she did not align with the needs of the American people, pointing to her advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the library as a critical factor.
Leavitt made comments during a White House press briefing that were concerning to Hayden, who noted a lack of understanding regarding the Library of Congress’s role.
She emphasized that the Library of Congress serves as a research facility to assist members of Congress in legislative processes rather than functioning as a traditional lending library for the general public.
Hayden voiced her worries that the comments made by the White House indicated a broader trend aimed at restricting public access to information and inspiration.
She believes her termination is part of a larger movement that may ultimately diminish the opportunities for the American public to engage with diverse literary resources.
Recent events have illustrated a broader trend related to the suppression of literary works in various institutions.
In April, the U.S. Naval Academy announced the removal of 381 books and literary works from its library, a measure initiated under the guidance of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The directive aimed to eliminate content deemed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly concerning anti-racism and gender issues.
After an ordered review, most of those books have since been reinstated.
The American Library Association attempted to intervene legally against the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a crucial funding body for libraries across the United States, but their efforts were thwarted by a federal judge.
In addition to these library concerns, the current administration has moved to take control of other cultural institutions, including the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian Institution, with specific orders to eliminate “divisive, race-centered ideology.”
Reflecting on her journey as a librarian, Hayden recalled how her love for reading was ignited by the 1946 children’s book ‘Bright April.’
The story, centered around a Black Girl Scout, resonated with her childhood experiences and the significance of representation in literature.
“Seeing yourself in stories is vital for young people as it validates their experiences,” Hayden said, emphasizing the importance of diverse literature.
She reinforced the idea that libraries are crucial pillars of democracy and stressed that efforts to undermine free access to literature pose a significant threat.
“As we like to say as librarians, free people read freely,” she stated.
Hayden concluded by warning of a growing effort that seeks to quash the freedom that libraries and access to information embody, proclaiming that democracy is indeed under attack.
image source from：https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/06/08/carla-hayden-termination/
