Who Is Carla Hayden? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on August 10, 1952, Carla Hayden is currently 72 years old. She was appointed the Librarian of Congress on September 14, 2016, making her the first woman and the first African American to hold this prestigious position in the Library of Congress’ long history. Hayden is renowned for her dedication to modernizing libraries and making literature accessible to all, further establishing her legacy in American culture. For more detailed information, visit her Wikipedia page.
Occupation | Presidents |
---|---|
Date of Birth | August 10, 1952 |
Age | 72 Years |
Birth Place | Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. |
Horoscope | Leo |
Country | U.S |
Popularity
Carla Hayden's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Carla Hayden stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and weighs around 140 pounds (63 kg). While specific body measurements are not publicly documented, her stature conveys a commanding presence that befits her influential role in American heritage.
As librarian of Congress, Hayden said she hoped to continue "the movement to open the treasure chest that is the Library of Congress," and that much of her early effort would focus on building and retaining staff. In the first five years, she would also focus on making sure that at least half of the library's 162 million items were digitized, especially rare collections.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Carla Hayden remains private about her personal life, including her dating status. She has been focused on her career and the responsibilities that accompany her role as Librarian of Congress. There have been no public confirmations of any relationships or a significant other, leaving her marital status unconfirmed.
Her parents met while attending Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Hayden grew up in New York City. When she was 10 years old, her parents divorced and she moved with her mother to Chicago. She had a younger half-brother from her father's second marriage, Bruce Kennard Hayden, III, who died in 1992.
Net Worth and Salary
Carla Hayden's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $2 million. Her salary as the Librarian of Congress is reported to be approximately $186,000 annually, a figure that reflects her significant role in American cultural heritage and public service.
Career, Business, and Investments
Throughout her illustrious career, Carla Hayden has been a trailblazer in the library profession. Prior to her appointment as Librarian of Congress, she served as the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland. Hayden is known for her innovative approaches to library services, including expanding digital resources and improving public access. Additionally, she has authored numerous articles and participated in various speaking engagements, contributing to her reputation as a leader in her field.
Hayden began her career at the Chicago Public Library, and earned a Ph.D. in library science from the University of Chicago. From 1993 until 2016, she was the CEO of Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, and president of the American Library Association (ALA) from 2003 to 2004.
During her presidency, she was the leading voice of the ALA in speaking out against provisions of the newly passed United States Patriot Act, which impacted public information services.
Social Network
Carla Hayden is an active presence on social media, leveraging platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share insights and updates regarding the Library of Congress and the broader library community. This engagement not only highlights her dedication to public service but also helps to promote literacy and information access.
Carla Diane Hayden (born August 10, 1952) is an American librarian who served as the 14th librarian of Congress. Hayden was both the first African American and the first woman to hold this post. Appointed in 2016, she was the first professional librarian to hold the post since 1974. In May 2025, she was dismissed from the post by President Donald Trump, with no explanation given.
Education
Carla Hayden holds a Bachelor's degree in History from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois, and a Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Chicago. Her academic background laid the foundation for her impactful career in public libraries and advocacy for literacy and education.
In conclusion, Carla Hayden’s influence in the realm of libraries and information access remains profound as she continues to inspire and lead the Library of Congress into a new era. With her remarkable journey, she stands as a beacon for aspiring librarians and educators alike.
Hayden has said that her passion for reading was inspired by Marguerite de Angeli's Bright April, a 1946 book about a young African-American girl who was in the Brownies. Attending Chicago's South Shore High School, Hayden became interested in books on British history and cozy mysteries. She attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, and then transferred to Roosevelt University.