Dr. Terry Nelson is the head librarian at the Blair Caldwell Library of African American History. I got to paint this portrait of her as part of the Living Eulogy project for Warm Cookies of the Revolution, a non-profit organization in Denver, Colorado. The goal was to eulogize an institution that we tend to take for granted, so I chose the public libraries. 

We forget that the libraries are the only public indoor spaces where you aren't expected to make a purchase to be there. Libraries are the only places where our homeless neighbors can reliably get shelter during the day, have access to educational materials, charge their phones or use computers and wifi. For those with low incomes, libraries are where children have reliable access to books, activities, and games. 

Librarians themselves are local treasures. They know where every book can be found and are the keepers of our histories. The reference section is home to countless documents, photographs and other proof of our existence in a given community, and a good librarian knows how to help you locate it all. We should honor them for all that they do!