Gwendolyn Crenshaw, a voracious reader with a passion for African-American culture and history, made her mark with the Denver Public Library’s Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, colleagues say.
Crenshaw, 67, died Oct. 26 of complications after emergency surgery while visiting her hometown of Washington, daughter Tina Wilson said.
“She knew a little something about everything. We always said that if you were on ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire,’ she should be all of your lifelines,” Wilson said.
Crenshaw came to Colorado in 1975 and received a master’s degree in library science from the University of Denver in 1977, said Susan Kotarba, director of public services at the Denver Public Library.
After working for libraries around the state, Crenshaw was hired by DPL in 1997.
“She was very dedicated to her work at the library,” Kotarba said. “She had a strong interest in public service and was passionate about what the library could do in the community.”
Crenshaw began her job as development manager for the opening of the Blair-Caldwell branch in 2000.
“Gwen worked with the architect on the design, the implications, the collections, the archives — everything in conjunction with the library — along with colleagues,” Kotarba said.
The 40,000-square-foot branch opened in 2003 and features a research facility and museum that showcases the history, art, literature and music of African- Americans in Colorado.
“I think she would be very proud of educating and influencing awareness for people of the African-American culture,” said Letty Icolari, director of administrative services at the Denver Public Library.
Crenshaw retired in 2013 with plans to join the Peace Corps.
“She loved public service and wanted to do something that was different and that was an adventure,” Icolari said.
Wilson said her mother had “an incredible ear for foreign languages” with fluency in French and Spanish and basic skills in German and Swedish.
“Her dream was to retire in Paris and travel the world,” she said.
Wilson said her mother loved her family and friends “fiercely” and was very protective, kind and compassionate.
Services were held Nov. 1 at Forest Memorial United Methodist Church in Maryland. Wilson said a memorial service will be scheduled.
