If the former First Lady says something perceived as critical of the administration, will that put Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in the crosshairs? And if nothing political is brought up, well – is that not a missed opportunity?
Catching up with PW's Andrew Albanese
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In New Orleans, the annual conference of the American Library Association, gets underway on Thursday, June 21. The oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 57,000 members, ALA has gathered an A-list roster of speakers, notes Andrew Albanese, Publishers Weekly senior writer, though something bothers him about the opening general session highlight – U.S. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in conversation with former FLOTUS Michelle Obama.
“I’m worried that putting Carla Hayden next to anyone named Obama on a stage politicizes the Librarian of Congress—which, of course, would be dangerous,” he tellsCCC’s Chris Kenneally. “The Librarian has done remarkable work, she’s been very visible, and popular—but I think if there is one thing we’ve learned, it’s that anything remotely tied to the name Obama draws the ire of President Trump.
“If the former First Lady says something perceived as critical of the administration, will that put Hayden in the crosshairs?” wonders Albanese. “And if nothing political is brought up, well – is that not a missed opportunity?”
Every Friday, CCC’s “Beyond the Book” speaks with the editors and reporters of “Publishers Weekly” for an early look at the news that publishers, editors, authors, agents and librarians will be talking about when they return to work on Monday.
