Hey explorers, it's Dario. Welcome to the IBI podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. Today, we browse the mind of Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, appointed by U.S. President Barack Obama. Dr. Hayden is the first woman and the first African American to hold this position at the National Library. As an actual librarian, Dr. Hayden is known for advocating for the privacy of library users and for her initiatives to promote broad access to public libraries and their resources.

Our dialogue today, much like the Library of Congress itself, is a treasure trove of literary jewels. We discuss how the Library of Congress is not your mother’s library, containing priceless artifacts like the Bayard Rustin papers, and a handwritten letter from Nina Simone to Hazel Scott. We talk American literacy rates, how parents can engage reluctant readers, and we even get personal, as Dr. Hayden and i discuss the health challenges black women face in the workplace, especially in positions of power.

Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. So grab your library card and a snack… It’s time to check into the people’s university, with Dr. Carla Hayden.

Key Links

Library Of Congress - the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.

Nina Simone - American singer-songwriter, pianist, and activist.

Hazel Scott - Jazz pianist and singer

Enoch Pratt Free Library- the free public library system of Baltimore, Maryland.

American Library Association - largest membership association in the world for the library industry.

August Wilson - American playwright

André Leon Talley - American fashion journalist

Citizen DJ - Make music using the free-to-use audio and video materials from the Library of Congress

Jessye Norman - American opera singer

What to Read

Seven Guitars - August Wilson

E92. The People's University with Dr. Carla Hayden