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, the Librarian of Congress, shares insights from this year's National Book Festival, a celebration of literary culture. She discusses the significance of authors as celebrities and their role in fostering community connections. Key topics include the impact of literature on family and societal understanding, as well as the challenges of censorship facing librarians. Hayden also highlights the growing popularity of romance genres and explores how historical themes resonate in modern storytelling.