March 29, 2024
Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress and a former assistant professor in the School of Computing and Information (SCI) will be the first presenter in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP)’s new annual lecture series held on April 9. The annual Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt Lecture was created to honor and celebrate the first Black librarian at CLP, who served the Hill District community in the 1940s. Dr. Hayden is the first woman and first African American to lead the Library of Congress.
“The School of Computing and Information is honored to co-sponsor the inaugural Hewitt Lecture with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh because Vivian Hewitt stands as a pioneer in the history of both our institutions,” said Mary Kay Biagini, chair of SCI’s Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship. “In 1944, she was the second person of color to earn a master’s degree from our program, and she was hired as the first person of color by the Carnegie Library soon afterward. Her legacy continues to this day, and it is only fitting that Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden present the inaugural lecture as she was mentored by Vivian Hewitt and served as a faculty member at our School.”
Dr. Hayden will speak via Zoom. This lecture is free and open to the public, and is presented in partnership with CLP, SCI, and the Allegheny County Library Association. All lecture attendees are invited to a reception following the talk.