New Role at Mellon Foundation Gives Carla Hayden Fresh Platform to Uplift Public Libraries
Carla Hayden, the first Black woman to serve as Librarian of Congress, is stepping into a bold new chapter. She has joined the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation as a senior fellow. Her new role focuses on using libraries and archives to expand public access to knowledge.
This move comes after former President Donald Trump unexpectedly ended her historic term. But now, Hayden is back in a space where her voice, ideas, and decades of leadership can thrive. “For generations, libraries, archives, and cultural institutions have been the guardians of knowledge,” she said. “Together, we will work to strengthen the public knowledge ecosystem.”
Nearly 50 Years of Leadership in Library Science and Service
Hayden brings nearly five decades of experience to the Mellon Foundation, the largest private funder of the arts and humanities in the U.S. She is expected to advise on projects that support public learning, culture, and research.
Her work has always centered on making knowledge more accessible—especially for rural and underserved communities. While leading the Library of Congress, she modernized systems, reached out to everyday readers, and helped shine a spotlight on rare artifacts. One memorable moment was when Grammy-winning artist Lizzo played James Madison’s flute from the Library’s collection in 2022.
A New Mission After Facing Political Attacks
Hayden’s new role follows backlash from far-right groups that accused her of promoting “radical” material. Despite the pressure, she stood strong. She believes that access to diverse information is more vital than ever.
“The free exchange of ideas is under attack,” she said. “We must protect the power of information and ensure it remains open to all.” Her voice comes at a time when arts and culture groups face budget cuts under Trump’s administration. The Mellon Foundation is using a $15 million emergency fund to help offset these losses.
Mellon Foundation Welcomes Hayden’s Bold Vision
Leaders at the Mellon Foundation see Hayden’s arrival as a win for the entire knowledge sector. “We celebrate Dr. Hayden’s career-long commitment to the freedom to read, learn, and explore,” said Mellon President Elizabeth Alexander. “We are thrilled she is sharing her expertise with us during this crucial time.”
Even though Trump named his former defense attorney Todd Blanche as the acting librarian, many staff members still see Robert Newlen as the natural successor to Hayden. Meanwhile, Hayden is already looking forward—and upward.
