Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt Initiative
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Innovation Synopsis
Named in honor of the first Black librarian at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the Vivian Ann Davison Hewitt Initiative is designed to grow the careers of librarians of color in the Pittsburgh region. The initiative includes a lecture series that brings high-caliber speakers of color from across the library industry to our area, a community-based artist in residency series program to create additional justice-centered art experiences in neighborhoods, as well as the creation of a new position: Curator of Black Literature and Programs. The inaugural Hewitt lecture, which occurred during National Library Week featured Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress.
Challenge/Opportunity
Women of color have been trailblazers throughout the modern history of our profession of librarianship. In Pittsburgh, Dame Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt was that trailblazer. She was an exceptional educator, teacher, library pioneer, and citizen for many decades. This initiative embodies knowledge and education. In our current strategic plan, the Library has made organizational excellence a priority. We want people to see themselves as part of the Library not only as users but also for potential employment. To ensure staff reflect the community we serve, we strive for increased representation of BIPOC and other diverse identities across all levels of library staff.
Key Elements of Innovation
Held during National Library Week the inaugural Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt Lecture was presented by Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress and the first woman and first African American to lead the national library. Dr. Hayden’s words were inspiring, uplifting and focused on librarianship and the importance of the work we do. Following the lecture, attendees were invited to a reception with hands-on activities and opportunities to learn about library career exploration resources.
In addition to her pioneering work as a librarian, Dr. Hewitt loved, collected and generously shared art and supported Black artists and collectors. The Library’s Artist in Residence program for adults is a three-month paid residency. The goal of this collaboration is to develop a community-based artist-in-residence series that helps the Library build collaboration with diverse artists and creates a justice-centered art experience in library branches. Four artists made up the initial cohort.
Achieved Outcomes
The goal of these initiatives is to honor the work, legacy, and leadership of Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt by increasing CLP’s resources and capacity related to the following:
- Celebrating Black culture and the legacy of Black librarianship;
- Cultivating a welcoming and supportive environment for BIPOC staff and community members; and
- Co-creating with community practices that increase accessibility to the library and the field of librarianship.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh strives to be a workplace that supports employees of all backgrounds and experiences, and is seen by potential colleagues from our community and across the country as a welcoming place to contribute their professional talents. With Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility among our organization’s Foundational Practices, our staff is our greatest asset. The percentage of new hires joining CLP who self-identify as people of color continue to rise in all roles across the organization.
