Nichelle Hayes
Nichelle M. Hayes is a librarian from Indianapolis. She led the Center for Black Literature & Culture at the Indianapolis Public Library and later served as the interim CEO of the library. Hayes was not hired as CEO. The decision resulted in protests from supportive library staff and community members.
Early life and education
Hayes was named after Nichelle Nichols, one of the first Black actresses to play a character on Star Trek: The Original Series.She earned her Library Science degree from Indiana University and participated in Indiana Librarians Leading in Diversity Fellowship Program.
Career
As a librarian, Hayes has specialized in genealogy, special collections, Black history, and library leadership.Hayes started her employment at the Indianapolis Public Library as the founder and director of the Center for Black Literature & Culture in 2017. In 2022, with unanimous support from the board, she was appointed to the position of Interim CEO of the Indianapolis Public Library. Hayes followed John Helling's term as Interim CEO.
Behind closed doors, the library's board of trustees appointed George Hill to the position of CEO instead of hiring Hayes. The decision faced opposition from library employees, union members, and the community.
Hayes continued her employment at the public library following the appointment of Hill, but later left the library to pursue other opportunities.
In June 2024, Hayes began working as the Interim Executive Director of the Hurston/Wright Foundation.