Dr. Carla Hayden spoke on Friday at the American Library Association’s 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Philadelphia, and librarians, library workers, and book lovers in attendance greeted the former Librarian of Congress with a wave of love, respect, and applause when she took the stage. It was a unforgettable, moving tribute to Dr. Hayden, who was unceremoniously fired from her position leading the Library of Congress by President Trump in May.
Dr. Hayden was joined by author Kwame Alexander at the session for a conversation about the challenges libraries are facing, not just in America but around the world. It was a riveting and important discussion. Dr. Hayden will be missed at the Library of Congress, but her voice and work remains strong and committed, as always.
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