1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The abrupt firing of Carla Hayden as Librarian of Congress is deeply concerning and a disservice to the American public. As the first woman and African American to hold this esteemed position, Hayden has been a trailblazer dedicated to making knowledge and resources accessible to all. Her initiatives to modernize the Library of Congress and reach underserved communities were commendable efforts to uphold the institution's mission as a public resource. Hayden's dismissal without cause raises troubling questions about the administration's motivations and commitment to preserving the Library's integrity and nonpartisan nature. Removing her for perceived ideological reasons would undermine the Library's role as a trusted repository of knowledge and history. We urge you to investigate this matter thoroughly, defend the Library's independence, and ensure the next Librarian is appointed through a transparent and merit-based process that respects the institution's vital role in our democracy.