Carla Hayden, the former Librarian of Congress who was abruptly terminated by President Donald Trump, joins the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation as a senior fellow. The year-long post places Hayden back in a position to continue her lifelong mission of democratizing access to information. Her appointment was announced on Monday, July 7, 2025, marking a significant addition to the foundation’s efforts.
Dr. Hayden, the former 14th Librarian of Congress and the first woman and first African American to have held the position, joins the Foundation in an advisory capacity. Her duties will include advising on efforts to advance public knowledge through libraries and archives. This role allows her to continue championing the causes she has supported throughout her distinguished career.
Fighting for Free Access to Information After Trump Administration Termination
Hayden’s departure from the Library of Congress came after conservative advocacy groups accused her of promoting “radical” literary material. The criticism targeted her efforts to maintain open access to diverse perspectives and materials. Trump subsequently terminated her position, replacing her with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting librarian. However, staff members have recognized Robert Newlen as their preferred leader while awaiting congressional approval.
The transition highlighted ongoing tensions about intellectual freedom and library accessibility. Hayden acknowledged how “the free exchange of ideas” faces increasing attacks in the current political climate. Her new role at the Mellon Foundation positions her to continue defending these fundamental democratic principles. The foundation’s support demonstrates institutional commitment to preserving knowledge access.
Mellon Foundation’s $15 Million Emergency Fund Protects Arts and Culture
Hayden’s nearly five-decade career in library science has been marked by efforts to democratize access to information. Organizations catering to the arts community, including the Mellon Foundation, face federal budget cuts from the Trump administration. The foundation has allocated $15 million from its emergency fund to offset these reductions. This money will replace the $65 million that would have been allocated to state humanities councils.
These councils support book fairs, heritage festivals, theater productions, and other cultural engagement programs nationwide. The emergency funding ensures these vital community programs can continue operating despite federal cuts. The foundation’s financial commitment demonstrates its dedication to preserving cultural institutions. This support becomes even more crucial during times of political pressure on arts funding.
Building on Nearly 50 Years of Innovation in Library Science
The foundation recognizes Hayden’s exceptional qualifications for this new role. She brings close to 50 years of innovative leadership in library science and public service. Her career has consistently focused on making information accessible to all communities, especially underserved populations. This experience makes her uniquely qualified to advise on knowledge accessibility initiatives.
Mellon President Elizabeth Alexander praised Hayden’s appointment in a statement on the foundation’s website. “We celebrate Dr. Hayden’s career-long commitment to the profoundly American tradition of freedom to read, learn, and explore the vast knowledge held within our country’s libraries and archives,” Alexander said. The president emphasized welcoming “her wisdom and counsel as a leader with an unshakable regard for the public good.”
Modernizing Library Services and Expanding Rural Community Access
During her tenure as Librarian of Congress, Hayden oversaw numerous groundbreaking initiatives and projects. She focused on modernizing the Library’s vast reservoir of books and historical materials. Her efforts included implementing new technologies to improve digital access and preservation methods. These modernization efforts ensured the Library could serve contemporary needs while protecting historical materials.
Additionally, she prioritized outreach to America’s rural communities, often underserved by traditional library services. Her initiatives brought Library resources to previously unreachable populations through mobile programs and digital connections. She also improved accessibility for daily visitors and showcased well-known artifacts creatively. One memorable moment included Grammy Award-winning artist Lizzo playing a flute belonging to former President James Madison in 2022.
Defending Public Knowledge Against Political Attacks
Hayden’s statement upon joining the Mellon Foundation emphasized the critical importance of protecting knowledge institutions. “For generations, libraries, archives, and cultural institutions have been the guardians of knowledge and the catalysts for human progress,” she said. Her words reflect deep understanding of these institutions’ role in democratic society. The statement underscores the challenges facing knowledge preservation in the current political climate.
She committed to working collaboratively with the foundation to strengthen public knowledge systems. “Together, we will work to strengthen the public knowledge ecosystem and ensure that the transformative power of information remains accessible to all,” Hayden declared. This mission statement aligns perfectly with the Mellon Foundation’s core values and objectives. Her appointment signals continued resistance to efforts that would limit information access.
Continuing the Legacy of Diversity and Inclusion in Information Access
As the 14th Librarian of Congress from 2016 to 2025, she became the first woman and first African American to hold the position. Her historic appointment broke significant barriers in library science and public service. Throughout her career, she has championed diversity and inclusion in library collections and services. Her leadership style emphasized representing all communities, not just traditional library users.
The foundation’s decision to bring Hayden aboard during this crucial time reflects strategic thinking about protecting knowledge access. Her expertise becomes especially valuable as cultural institutions face increasing political pressure and funding cuts. The appointment ensures that advocacy for diverse perspectives and democratic access to information continues. Her new role positions her to influence policy and practice across the broader library and cultural institution landscape.