Li-min Zhang, 51, a children librarian, the first assistant of the Chicago Public Library Daley Branch, died of cancer on May 29, 2003. Ms. Zhang was born on November 26, 1951, in Qing Dao, Shandong, China. In 1986, she came to the United States and received MA in English literature and MLS, both from Brigham Young University. Ms. Zhang joined the Chicago Public Library in 1989 and since 1995 had worked in CPL Daley Library as the first assistant.
Ms. Zhang loved and devoted to her job. The activities she organized for children in her area were listed number one among seventy five branches of the Chicago Public Library in the recent years. She drove to work every time after her weekly chemo therapy. April 17 was her last day at work. She held a big event for children. On the same day after the event, she was sent to emergency room and never come out. Ms. Zhang was friendly and helpful to all people around her. One of her colleagues told that every time after his late shift, she would dropped him at home and not let him get cold while waiting for the bus even she knew her cancer was back. Ms. Zhang was a recipient of many outstanding service awards including the Chicago Public Library 2000 librarian of the year. She is survived by her husband, Ming Gao. (Lisa Zhao, UIC)