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Pratt Library Celebrates CEO As She Heads To Library of Congress

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It was a bitter sweet celebration for a woman who transformed the Enoch Pratt Free Library.

Now she's moving on to an even bigger stage, at the request of President Barack Obama.

Dr. Carla Hayden's promotion was historic, as WJZ's Ava-joye Burnett reports.

After 23 years of service in Baltimore, her next job will be as the leader of the Library of Congress.

Not only will she be the first woman to hold that role, but she'll also be the first African-American to lead America's library.

Dr. Hayden is credited with moving the Enoch Pratt Free Library forward in so many ways, including spearheading expansions and opening the doors to more people.

The celebration is open to the public, and Dr. Hayden would have it no other way, because that really was her goal. To make the Enoch Pratt Free Library a place for everyone.

Now, the library system has started a national search for her replacement, who will certainly have some big shoes to fill.

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