Calls on Congress to Uphold the Independence of the Library of Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. — EveryLibrary, the national political action committee for libraries, strongly condemns President Donald Trump’s abrupt dismissal of Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress. Dr. Hayden, appointed in 2016 as the first woman and African American to hold this esteemed position, was terminated via email on May 8, 2025, nearly a year before her ten-year term was set to conclude .
Dr. Hayden’s tenure was marked by significant strides in modernizing the Library of Congress, expanding digital access, and promoting inclusivity within the nation’s largest library. Her leadership has been instrumental in preserving the cultural heritage and ensuring accessibility for all Americans .
The administration’s action appears to be part of a broader pattern of politically motivated dismissals, as evidenced by the subsequent firing of Shira Perlmutter, the Register of Copyrights, shortly after the release of a report critical of AI companies’ use of copyrighted materials without permission.
EveryLibrary views these actions as a direct threat to the independence of our nation’s cultural and informational institutions. The Library of Congress, established to serve the legislative branch and the public, must remain free from political interference to uphold its mission of preserving and providing access to knowledge.
We urge Congress to take immediate action:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr. Hayden’s dismissal.
- Reaffirm the independence of the Library of Congress and its leadership.
- Consider legislative measures to protect the tenure and autonomy of the Librarian of Congress position.
EveryLibrary stands in solidarity with Dr. Hayden and all library professionals dedicated to the free and open access to information. We call upon citizens to voice their concerns and support the integrity of our democratic institutions.
For more information and to take action, please visit EveryLibrary’s official statement.
Dr. Hayden, appointed in 2016, was the first woman and the first African American to serve as Librarian of Congress. Her leadership has been exemplary. She has brought integrity, transparency, and innovation to the Library’s mission. From digitizing millions of records to expanding public access to the largest library in the world, Dr. Hayden’s tenure has made the Library of Congress more relevant and responsive to the American people.
The White House delivered her sudden dismissal without cause or justification. It follows the unjustified firing of the Archivist of the United States in February. This pattern of political interference in our most trusted, nonpartisan institutions is outrageous and profoundly damaging.
