DrWebCarla Hayden, former Librarian of Congress, speaks on her dismissal, the future of libraries at Philadelphia event – WHYY
Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress, spoke with Ashley Jordan, president and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, at an event at the Free Library of Philadelphia Central Branch on June 28, 2025. (Emily Neil / WHYY) (Screenshot)Carla Hayden, former Librarian of Congress, speaks on her dismissal, the future of libraries at Philadelphia event
Hayden, both the first woman and first Black person to head the Library of Congress, was fired by President Donald Trump in May.
By Emily Neil, Updated Jun. 30, 2025 6:02 pm, Listen 1:17
Former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden spoke at the Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central Branch on Saturday night, where she sat down for a fireside chat with Ashley Jordan, president and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
Hayden, both the first woman and the first Black person to head the Library of Congress, was fired by President Donald Trump on May 8 in a two-sentence email.
In a conversation that touched on her career, her accomplishments and her abrupt dismissal, Hayden said she is hopeful about the future of public libraries and freedom of expression despite nationwide pushes for book bans and attacks on cultural institutions.
“I’ve been able to be part of opening up the world to more people and to help them see themselves in the world and in the past, so they can do their future,” Hayden said. “And that is a wonderful thing to think about, that you’ve been part of … All of what we do in these types of organizations, that’s what we’re doing. We’re betting on the future. And so I was glad that I was able to do that at the Library of Congress.”
In his introductory remarks, Kelly Richards, president and director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, said that Hayden has always been a “tireless advocate” for the library systems throughout her career. He said libraries are not just “repositories of knowledge” in a democratic society, but “vibrant centers of community life, education and inclusion.”
“Libraries have a reputation for being a quiet place, but not tonight,” Richards said, as audience members gave Hayden and Jordan a standing ovation when they entered the stage.
Read more: Carla Hayden, former Librarian of Congress, speaks on her dismissal, the future of libraries at Philadelphia event – WHYYSource Links: Fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden speaks in Philadelphia – WHYY
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