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Celebrating Dr. Carla Hayden as the 14th Librarian of Congress

Posted at 11:30 PM, Aug 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-26 06:56:24-04

The Enoch Pratt Free Library always says "Your journey starts here." It was during her time there that Dr. Carla Hayden was nominated to be the 14th Librarian of Congress. 

The library honored Hayden for her 23 years of service as a librarian there and congratulated her on her next role as Chief Executive at the Library of Congress.

"In terms of a legacy, what I would hope that people would think about when they think about, as they call me, 'the library lady,' is that I was part of the proud history of the Pratt Library," Dr. Carla Hayden said. "Mr. Pratt said 'my library should be for all, without distinction of race or color, rich or poor.' And he said that then and we've tried to keep it going."

President Obama nominated Hayden back in February for the Librarian of Congress position. She will make history as the first woman and African-American to serve.

Hayden said it's a "wonderful honor" to be offered the position.

"I can't imagine a better feeling for a librarian to be able to join a team of people who are so dedicated to knowledge and learning," she said.

She also said even though she's looking forward to working in Washington, D.C., she'll miss the people of Baltimore and staff at the Pratt Library.

"So many people have a Pratt Library story," Hayden said. "In Baltimore, it's almost an affection for the library that you don't see in many other cities or towns. People talk about it like it's a real part of the family, the Enoch Pratt. And maybe it's because there was an Enoch Pratt. But it's palpable how much the people love this city and this library."