Carla Hayden Appointed Senior Fellow at Mellon Foundation After Controversial Dismissal

On July 7, 2025, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation announced the appointment of Carla Hayden, the former Librarian of Congress, as a senior fellow. In this role, Hayden will advise on initiatives aimed at advancing public knowledge through libraries and archives, leveraging her extensive experience to enhance public access to information and cultural resources.

Hayden's appointment comes two months after her abrupt dismissal from the Library of Congress by President Donald Trump. On May 8, 2025, Hayden received an email from the White House's Presidential Personnel Office informing her of her immediate termination. 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." (source)

The dismissal followed criticism from conservative groups, notably the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), which accused Hayden of promoting "radical" literature and opposing the president. The AAF alleged that Hayden had endorsed children's books with "radical content" and literature by opponents of the president. (source)

Hayden's termination sparked widespread condemnation from literary and library organizations. The American Library Association (ALA) President Cindy Hohl described the dismissal as "an insult to the scope and breadth of work Dr. Hayden has undertaken in her role leading the Library of Congress." (source) Similarly, the Authors Guild decried the firing as "a shocking abuse of power" and "an affront to intellectual freedom, democratic values, and the integrity of our national institutions." (source)

Hayden's career in library science spans several decades. Born on August 10, 1952, in Tallahassee, Florida, she earned a B.A. in political science from Roosevelt University and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in library science from the University of Chicago. She began her career at the Chicago Public Library, serving in various roles, including children's librarian and young adult services coordinator. In 1993, she became the director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, where she implemented significant outreach services, including an after-school center for teens offering homework assistance and college counseling.

In 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Hayden as the 14th Librarian of Congress, making her the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. During her tenure, she focused on modernizing the institution, expanding digital access, and increasing public engagement. Hayden emphasized outreach to rural communities and individuals with visual disabilities, aiming to make the Library's vast collection more accessible to all Americans.

Following her dismissal, Hayden's appointment as a senior fellow at the Mellon Foundation is seen as a continuation of her commitment to public service. The Mellon Foundation, a leading supporter of the arts and humanities, has been actively addressing funding gaps resulting from federal cuts to humanities programs. Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander expressed enthusiasm for Hayden's appointment, highlighting her unwavering commitment to public service during a critical period for public knowledge institutions.

Hayden's transition to the Mellon Foundation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by cultural and educational institutions amid political pressures. Her leadership is expected to bolster efforts to ensure equitable access to information and to counteract censorship and funding challenges affecting libraries and archives nationwide.

As Hayden embarks on this new role, the broader implications for the autonomy and resilience of America's cultural institutions remain a focal point of national discourse.