Former Librarian of Congress Receives Fellowship Appointment
The Mellon Foundation has announced the appointment of Dr. Carla Hayden as a Senior Fellow.
With over five decades of transformative leadership in library science and public service, Dr. Hayden has profoundly impacted public access to knowledge, most notably during her groundbreaking tenure as the 14th Librarian of Congress.
From 2016 to 2025, Dr. Hayden modernized and democratized access to the world’s largest library by overseeing digital initiatives, expanding public engagement with the Library’s vast collections, and enhancing its relevance to all Americans. Her tenure as the first woman and first African American to hold the role of Librarian of Congress marked a historic shift in the institution’s relationship with the public.
Dr. Hayden will continue her work as a Senior Fellow at the Mellon Foundation, where she will pursue scholarships, writing, and research, while also collaborating with the Foundation’s leadership and staff. Her expertise will guide the Foundation in advancing libraries, archives, and other organizations within the public knowledge ecosystem.
“It is an honor to join the Mellon Foundation at this critical time,” said Dr. Hayden. “Libraries, archives, and cultural institutions are the custodians of knowledge and the catalysts for human progress. With the current challenges to equitable access to information and the free exchange of ideas, I look forward to contributing to the Foundation’s mission to ensure that the transformative power of information remains accessible to all.”
Dr. Hayden’s appointment comes at a time of pivotal change for libraries and public knowledge institutions, with rapidly evolving technologies, federal funding cuts, and the rise of censorship efforts all posing significant challenges. With her leadership, the Mellon Foundation aims to strengthen the public knowledge ecosystem and continue fighting for intellectual freedom.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hayden to the Mellon Foundation as a Senior Fellow,” said Elizabeth Alexander, President of the Mellon Foundation. “Her decades of dedication to public access and knowledge make her a vital resource at this critical juncture for libraries and archives. We look forward to working with her to address the pressing issues facing libraries today.”
Prior to her role as Librarian of Congress, Dr. Hayden served for 23 years as CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library system in Baltimore, MD, where she transformed a struggling library system into a dynamic community resource. Her leadership there resulted in innovative programs such as after-school centers for Baltimore’s youth, comprehensive digital access initiatives, and services that bridged social and economic divides.
Dr. Hayden’s distinguished career also includes her service as President of the American Library Association from 2003 to 2004 and her recognition in 1995 as Library Journal’s Librarian of the Year for her community-centered work. She holds a BA from Roosevelt University, as well as an MA and PhD from the University of Chicago’s Graduate Library School.
A respected figure in both civic and professional circles, Dr. Hayden is a member of the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, among other prestigious organizations.
