NPC Virtual Newsmaker: Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden

As the United States confronts difficult questions about race and equality in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of law enforcement, Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden has engaged some of our nation’s great literary figures in conversation to highlight what literature and poetry can offer our nation.

On Friday, September 11, the Librarian of Congress will deliver a live national address on the role of cultural institutions at times of social unrest and the opportunity to connect more Americans to our literary heritage and the treasures held by the Library of Congress during the pandemic.

This 1-hour program will stream live at 1:00 p.m. ET as part of the National Press Club’s Virtual Newsmaker series, and is accessible to both the media and members of the general public free-of-charge.

Dr. Carla Hayden was sworn in as the 14th Librarian of Congress on September 14, 2016. Hayden, the first woman and the first African-American to lead the national library, was nominated to the position by President Barack Obama. Prior to becoming Librarian she served, since 1993, as CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, notably during the city’s protests following the death of Freddie Gray.

Dr. Hayden’s remarks will be followed by a moderated question-and-answer session with National Press Club President Michael Freedman. Viewers can send their questions for Hayden via email to [email protected].  Freedman will ask as many questions as time permits.