[SCLA] SCLA Statement on the Dismissal of Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden

[Anthony Giansante]

Colleagues and Friends,

As we continue to represent library professionals throughout Suffolk
County, we are reaching out to express our great concern regarding the
firing of Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress.

Appointed in 2016 as the first woman and first African American to lead the
Library of Congress, Dr. Hayden advanced access, digitization, and public
service during her tenure. Her leadership strengthened the Library’s
ability to serve the public, Congress, and the wider research community.

Notification of her dismissal was delivered by email, without public
explanation or cause. This action follows other removals of leaders from
national cultural and legislative institutions and raises concerns about
the continued independence of these agencies. The Library of Congress
supports critical services, including the Copyright Office, the
Congressional Research Service, and the Law Library of Congress. These
services rely on stable, nonpartisan leadership.

For further information, take a look at the following coverage:

   -

   NPR: President Trump fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden
   <https://www.npr.org/2025/05/09/g-s1-65271/librarian-of-congress-fired>
   -

   New York Times: Trump Administration Fires Librarian of Congress
   <https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/us/politics/trump-librarian-congress-carla-hayden.html>
   -

   EveryLibrary: President Trump Fires the Librarian of Congress and Now
   Congress Must Push Back
   <https://www.everylibrary.org/trump_fires_librarian_of_congress>

We know these are uncertain times but we must continue to take action.

SCLA encourages you, your friends, and family to register as a Library
Advocate through NYLA <https://www.nyla.org/become-an-advocate->. We urge
you and your support network to contact their respective elected officials
to request oversight and accountability. Contact information for all
members of Congress is available at:

   -

   https://www.congress.gov/members

Additionally, please help raise awareness by sharing reliable information
and official statements on social media, and by encouraging your colleagues
and others in your support network to do the same.

Always remind those who will listen that libraries are not luxuries – they
are lifelines. They are essential to our democracy and must remain
independent, nonpartisan, and dedicated to serving all people.

Thank you for your time and attention.

On behalf of the Suffolk County Library Association Board,

Anthony Giansante

President

Suffolk County Library Association


-- 

Anthony Giansante (he/him)

Head of Emerging Technology
631-725-0049  // www.johnjermain.org
201 Main Street, Sag Harbor NY
<https://www.youtube.com/@jjmemlib>
<https://www.tiktok.com/@johnjermainlibrary>
<https://www.facebook.com/john-jermain-memorial-library>
<https://www.instagram.com/jjmlibrary/>
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