On Wednesday, Carla Hayden was sworn-in as the 14th Librarian of Congress. Her appointment marks a couple of milestones for the institution: she is the first woman and the first African-American to serve in the role.
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts administered the oath of office to Hayden, who used President Abraham Lincoln’s Bible from his first inauguration to take the oath. Speaker of the House Paul D. Ryan and Sens. Roy D. Blunt and Barbara A. Mikulski also participated in the ceremony.
“It is an honor to be nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate to lead one of the greatest institutions of our nation, and of the world,” Hayden told the audience at the ceremony. “I am truly grateful and humbled by this selection.
“Today, through the power of technology, thousands around the country are able to watch this ceremony live. This is the opportunity to build on the contributions of the Librarians who have come before, to realize a vision of a national library that reaches outside the limits of Washington.”
Hayden’s comments were met with resounding applause, echoing through the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building.
“Public service has been such a motivating factor for me, in my life and my career. When I received the call from the White House about this opportunity, and was asked, ‘Will you serve?’ Without hesitation I said ‘yes,’’ concluded Hayden. “But we cannot do it alone. I am calling on you, both who are here in person and those watching virtually, that to have a truly national library, an institution of opportunity for all: it is the responsibility of all.”
Comments (13)
Congratulations, Ms. Hayden. As a librarian, to me the Librarian of Congress job is the penultimate. I am so happy for you.
I reed your page, I admire USA literature, you have in your library five of my books, under the name: Rios Alcocer. Have a nice day
Congratulations, Ms. Hayden!
A big cheer to your joyous “So help me God!!!”
Mazel Tov to our new Librarian! Here at the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, we adore the Library of Congress and we’re glad it will be led by such a brilliant Librarian.
http://www.ellafitzgeraldfoundation.org
I think it’s great to have an African-American woman in this position, but what I am really happy about is having such an accomplished, well-respected, true librarian running the Library of Congress! She’s exactly the right person for the job!
Hello Dr.Carla Hayden, your profile was impeccable and makes you fit for the job as “1st Mom” of the Library of Congress. God bless you and the Lincoln Bible, Amen.
Visited the LOC on Thursday for a symposium in the Kluge Center and had lunch in the Madison Building in the 6th floor cafeteria where, to our utter delight, we saw the new Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, pose for selfies and get in line for some lunch. I stood next to her, momentarily, as she chose a piece of chicken (her only item on the plate) and I wished her congratulations on her appointment. It truly is historic and she is the right choice to lead our nation’s library.
She is a walking advertisement for our profession.
I am traveling with three friends from Houston next week for the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American Hidtory and Culture and now want to add The Library of Congress to our itinerary.
Congratulation to Carla Hayden……Heaven must have handpicked you for this job! May God’s spirit continue to inspire and direct you.
Met ex LoC librarian during my visit of usa. Hoping to see you. Being wdl member contents committee you may give me any responsibility.stay blessed.
Congratulations, Dr. Hayden!
Congratulations! I’m a great fan and admirer of the analysts in the Congressional Research Service.