Carla Hayden, the first female and only the 14th Librarian of Congress, shares her inspiring journey in promoting accessibility to the library's vast 178 million items. She discusses the library's evolution into a community hub in the digital age, emphasizing its vital role amidst misinformation. Hayden reflects on her leadership experiences and the significant push for diversity and literacy initiatives. Listen in as she highlights the future of libraries and the power of books, including the vibrant National Book Festival.
Carla Hayden emphasizes the Library of Congress's evolution into the largest library globally, now serving not just Congress but the general public.
The podcast highlights Hayden's initiatives to enhance literacy and community engagement, addressing adult illiteracy while promoting a culture of reading.
Deep dives
The Role of the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress serves as a vital reference and research tool for Congress, having started with a small collection of law books in 1800. Over the years, it has evolved into the largest library in the world, featuring approximately 178 million items that extend beyond congressional needs to serve the general public. While only members of Congress can check out materials directly, the library provides access on-site and loans materials to other libraries for public use. This expansion underscores its broader mission of making knowledge accessible to all Americans and adapting to the evolving informational landscape.
Innovations in Literacy and Community Engagement
The current Librarian of Congress has implemented numerous programs aimed at improving literacy among young people and fostering community engagement. Initiatives include appointing a young people's ambassador for literature and organizing literacy awards to recognize groups that promote reading. Despite the challenge of adult illiteracy rates, which affect over 14% of the population, the institution actively collaborates with public and school libraries to enhance reading opportunities. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to not only preserving history but also encouraging a culture of reading and learning in contemporary society.
Maintaining Relevance in the Digital Age
Libraries, including the Library of Congress, are adapting to the digital landscape while remaining trusted sources of information amidst rising misinformation. The future indicates a technologically savvy transformation, with an emphasis on digital materials and modern infrastructure. Despite the growing prevalence of digital formats, the demand for physical books persists among the public. This dual approach ensures that libraries continue to play a relevant role in society, providing critical resources and space for community interaction.
Carla Hayden is the first female and only the 14th Librarian of Congress in history since the Library of Congress was established in 1800. In an episode of "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer to Peer Conversations," she talks about the library's history; how it's evolved into the largest library in the world with 178 million items, as well as the challenges our society faces in the digital world. She also discusses her efforts to make the library and its unique collections more accessible to the public. Hayden was nominated to the position by Former President Barack Obama in 2016 and was confirmed by the US Senate that summer. This interview was recorded on August 23 in Washington DC.