in an awkward position.
In 2004, I visited him in Washington, D.C., during a National Science Digital Library (NSDL) annual conference trip. He was then the chief of Asian Division at the Library of Congress. Upon walking out of the subway station, I immediately spotted him standing up there waiting for me, perhaps already having waited for quite a while. Seeing my apologetic face, he explained on the way to the Madison Building that he had just been afraid of my having a problem in finding the place or in entering the building, due to the increased security check at the entrance. After a brief inquiry about my doctoral study at Rutgers, he talked on and on about the Asian Collection and several ongoing projects, while showing me around. Our meeting lasting several hours was filled with his work plans and library business. I could hardly tell from his high energy and passion that the gentleman in front of me was already in his seventies.
These anecdotes allowed me to get a partial impression about Dr. Lee; meanwhile, they triggered my desire to learn more about this influential and respected senior library professional. Ms. Yang Yang’s biography of Dr. Hwa-Wei Lee finally came out to fulfill that desire. As soon as the book arrived, I could not wait to devour it. The reading was so inspiring and worth sharing with a broader audience. I called Dr. Lee suggesting an English version so that more people, including his family members, could learn about his wonderful life, and the tremendous efforts undertaken to reach the ultimate chapter of his life. He encouraged me to be the translator, and shortly after sent me an e-copy of the book.
The translation project did not start until February 2013, for various reasons, including my busy schedule as a research librarian at the University of California, Irvine, and, most importantly, my fear of incompetence for work requiring language proficiency. Having learned of my concerns, Dr. Lee said, “Don’t worry. Just take your time. And I and my wife Mary will be here to help you.” With his encouragement, as always, I finally moved forward. Over the past sixteen months, every evening, the three to four hours before bed became a fixed time for me to sit in front of my workstation, translating Dr. Lee’s life, from my mother language to a second language, paragraph by paragraph, and chapter by chapter. As the first Chinese-English translation project for me, it was not easy, but it was rewarding. I have learned a lot during the process, not only of general translation skills, but also of Dr. Lee’s spirit of librarianship and wisdom of life.
I know that this project would not have been completed without the support from many people. Dr. Lee, his wife, Mary, and his son, Bob, have provided ongoing and thorough review comments of all the translation manuscripts. Ms. Yang Yang graciously gave her permission for me to be the translator of this biography and also provided background information at my request. Professor Ying Hu, a Chinese literature and translation expert, and Ms. Phyllis Gottlieb, my American host family lady, frequently contributed their valuable knowledge and time. Last but not least, my parents and son were also sincere supporters, whose care and patience kept the project moving forward. I am so thankful to all these people.
Ying Zhang
The Sage in the Cathedral of Books
PROLOGUE
The Retirement Party at the Library of Congress
Remember his resolute constancy in things that were done by him according to reason, his equability in all things, his sanctity, the cheerfulness of this countenance, his sweetness, and how free he was from all vainglory; how careful to come to the true and exact knowledge of matters in hand, and how he would by no means give over till he did fully and plainly understand the whole state of the business, and how patiently and without any contestation he would bear with them that did unjustly condemn him; how he would never be overhasty in anything; not give ear to slanders and false accusations, but examine and observe with best diligence the several actions and dispositions of men. Again, how he was no backbiter, not easily frightened, not suspicious, and in his language free from all affectation and curiosity . . . able through his spare diet to continue from morning to evening without any necessity of withdrawing before his accustomed hours to the necessities of nature; his uniformity and constancy in matter of friendship. How he would bear with them that with all boldness and liberty opposed his opinions, and even rejoice if any man could better advise him.
—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
1
ON THE LAST day of March 2008 in Washington, D.C., the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and a soft spring breeze was blowing the pink and white petals in the air around both sides of the Potomac River. For Dr. Hwa-Wei Lee, it was the day to say goodbye to the workplace where he had spent the past five years. Dressed in his normal business suit, Hwa-Wei left his Clarendon Boulevard apartment and made his usual short walk to the Clarendon metro station. It was still early (before 7:00 a.m.) and there were still empty seats in the middle section of the train. Hwa-Wei didn’t take a seat, but chose to stand near the closing doors, deep in thought. It was a special day. Today he would step down from his position as chief of the Asian Division and retire from the Library of Congress.
It had been five years since Hwa-Wei had become the first Chinese American appointed to this important position. A renowned senior library administrator, Hwa-Wei had served twenty-one years as the dean of the Ohio University Libraries until his previous retirement in September 1999. Originally from China, Hwa-Wei has been well regarded as a leader among thousands of Chinese American librarians, primarily because of his remarkable contribution to and influence on international collaboration among libraries. In the past thirty years, Hwa-Wei has played an indispensable role in advancing Chinese librarianship to a world-class level. His continued tireless bridging efforts between the United States and China have provided a shortcut for Chinese libraries to learn and to adapt the most advanced information technology and management practices. And his vital spirit and valued contributions have earned him a reputation among Chinese library professionals as “a hub connecting the East and the West and a bridge between China and the United States.”
Hwa-Wei’s retirement party was originally planned to be held in the Thomas Jefferson Building where the Asian Division is located, allowing a small gathering to take place among acquaintances, colleagues, and friends. However, the number registering to attend far exceeded the estimated headcount. A last-minute arrangement was made to relocate the party to the conference hall on the fifth floor of the James Madison Memorial Building. The hall, with a room capacity of up to three hundred people, often was used for large-scale speeches or gatherings. Having recently celebrated his seventy-seventh birthday with his wife, Mary, and his children and grandchildren, Hwa-Wei seemed ready to fully enjoy his retirement now that his service commitment to the Asian Division of LC was ending.
Hwa-Wei felt quite energetic as he walked out of the metro station and was immediately exposed to the fresh and cool spring air and the early morning sunshine. Washington, D.C., is one of Hwa-Wei’s favorite cities. Prior to his tenure at LC, Hwa-Wei had taken a few trips to Washington, D.C., for conferences or tours, during which he had allocated time for sightseeing. But during his five-year-long residence, he had little chance to look around and enjoy the beauty of this capital city because of his full-time working schedule, involving even weekends. At this moment, Hwa-Wei felt a bit regretful as he knew he would soon leave this beautiful city without having further explored its many historical and cultural attractions.
Hwa-Wei sped up his pace; he hoped his last day at LC would be relaxing and his retirement party would go well. Roomy and spacious, the conference hall had been set up with a few rows of seats in the front and buffet tables with sandwiches, salads, pastries, and drinks in the back. It is a LC tradition to arrange a farewell party for each retiring employee, allowing the library’s other employees a chance to summarize the retiree’s contribution to the organization, express their appreciation, and say goodbye to their departing colleague. The atmosphere for this kind of farewell party is usually casual, and informal because a retirement symbolizes the end of a busy public life and the
