See Why Obama's Nominee for Librarian of Congress Is a Game Changer

Lifelong librarian Carla Hayden would be the first woman and person of color to hold the position.

Feb 24, 2016·

Culture and education editor Liz Dwyer has written about race, parenting, and social justice for several national publications. She was previously education editor at Good.

Last spring as protesters took to the streets after the police officer–involved death of 25-year-old Baltimore resident Freddie Gray, schools and museums closed, as did some businesses. But Carla Hayden, the head of the city’s Enoch Pratt Free Library, kept the facility’s doors open.

That decision—and Hayden’s work to bring the library into the digital age—was lauded by President Obama on Tuesday in his announcement that she was his nominee to become the next librarian of Congress.

Hayden has revitalized “Baltimore’s library system as the CEO of Enoch Pratt Free Library, updating its technology and raising money to fund essential improvements. Under her leadership, the Pratt library has become the largest provider of public-access computers in Maryland,” wrote Obama in a post on the White House blog.

“And I know she'll be a good steward for the important role that libraries play in our communities. Last year, during the unrest in Baltimore, Dr. Hayden and the library’s staff kept the doors of the Pratt open as a beacon for the community,” continued Obama.

If confirmed, Hayden, who hails from Obama’s hometown, Chicago, would also make history. The lifelong librarian would be “the first woman and the first African American to hold the position—both of which are long overdue,” wrote Obama.

While Hayden's diverse background is groundbreaking, her enthusiasm for modern technology would also be a game changer for the Library of Congress. The institution has been slow to embrace the digital age, which has led to criticism about its technological failures and waste of taxpayer money.

"Her understanding of the pivotal role that emerging technologies play in libraries will be essential in leading the Library of Congress as it continues to modernize its infrastructure and promote open access and full participation in today's digital world," wrote Obama.

The White House also released the above video, which provides more details about Hayden, the role of the librarian of Congress, and some fun information about the institution. (It has every book ever published in the United States.)

While the timeline for Hayden's confirmation is unclear, her nomination received praise from Maryland Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski. "She has been a fighter for the freedom of all library users, no matter your age, race, religion or zip code, to be able to explore and learn," Mikulski said in a statement.