Dr. Carla Hayden Joins Mellon Foundation Following Controversial Dismissal

Dr. Carla Hayden, the first woman and African American to serve as Librarian of Congress, has been appointed as a senior fellow at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This new role follows her unexpected dismissal by President Donald Trump in May 2025.

On July 7, 2025, the Mellon Foundation announced Dr. Hayden's appointment, highlighting her extensive experience in library sciences and public service. In her new position, she will advise on initiatives aimed at enhancing public knowledge through libraries and archives, and will engage in scholarship, writing, and research projects. Dr. Hayden emphasized the critical role of cultural institutions in protecting knowledge and supporting human progress.

Dr. Hayden's tenure as the 14th Librarian of Congress began in 2016, following her appointment by President Barack Obama. Her term was set to conclude in 2026. During her time at the Library of Congress, she focused on modernizing the institution and expanding public access to its vast collections. However, her dismissal on May 8, 2025, came abruptly via an email from the White House's Presidential Personnel Office. The email stated:

"Carla, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service."

The dismissal followed criticism from the conservative American Accountability Foundation, which accused Dr. Hayden of promoting "radical" literature and opposing President Trump. The White House did not provide an official explanation for her termination.

The decision to remove Dr. Hayden sparked significant backlash from various quarters. The American Library Association (ALA) decried her firing as an "unjust dismissal," praising her service and commitment to making the Library of Congress a "bastion of knowledge and a beacon of opportunity." Similarly, the Authors Guild condemned the firing, stating that it represents "a profound misunderstanding of the role of Congress’ library and is an affront to intellectual freedom, democratic values, and the integrity of our national institutions."

In the wake of her dismissal, President Trump appointed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as the acting Librarian of Congress. Blanche, who previously defended Trump in his 2024 criminal trial, assumed the role amid concerns about political interference in cultural institutions. The White House's move to replace Dr. Hayden and other library officials with Trump allies raised questions about the independence of the Library of Congress.

Dr. Hayden's appointment at the Mellon Foundation underscores the critical role of cultural institutions in preserving and disseminating knowledge, especially during times of political and social upheaval. Her transition from a public institution to a philanthropic organization highlights the increasing reliance on private foundations to support the arts and humanities amid federal funding cuts.

The Mellon Foundation has been actively working to offset federal funding cuts to humanities programs, including establishing a $15 million emergency fund to support state humanities councils. Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander praised Dr. Hayden's commitment to public service, highlighting the foundation's efforts to support the arts and humanities amid challenges such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and censorship.

Dr. Hayden's career began at the Chicago Public Library, where she served in various roles, including young adult services coordinator and deputy commissioner. She later became the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was recognized for her outreach efforts, including establishing an after-school center for teens. In 1995, she became the first African American to receive Library Journal's Librarian of the Year Award.

Her dismissal from the Library of Congress has raised concerns about the politicization of cultural institutions and the potential impact on intellectual freedom and access to information. The unprecedented nature of her termination, given that Librarians of Congress are typically appointed for 10-year terms to ensure stability and non-partisanship, has sparked debates about the future of the Library of Congress and its mission.

As Dr. Hayden embarks on her new role at the Mellon Foundation, her legacy of promoting inclusivity and access to information continues to resonate. Her appointment serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding cultural institutions and the knowledge they preserve for future generations.