In the Chappaqua Library Teen zone, there is a reading corner with a dark green colored chair and a round glass top table sitting against a glass wall. Light shines through the glass wall, forming a bright backdrop for the reading corner. Kids and adults alike, often sit in that chair while enjoying reading.
This reading corner was created in memory of Linda J. Zhang. Linda had spent many hours in the teen zone of the library as a volunteer librarian, a paid page or an avid reader. Reading has been one of Linda’s passions since she was a little girl. Wherever she went, she always had a book with her. Reading not only gave her knowledge, but also made her think deeply into the meaning of life.
On the bookcase next to the reading table, there is a plaque with a quote from Linda, “I have always sought out the path that is most closely aligned with my interests and values, no matter how difficult following it might be, whether that meant ascribing to a zero-waste lifestyle or learning a new skill”. That quote well describes who she was.
Her interests and values were essential to her while she was seeking a life with meaning. She took the values full-heartedly. Although many people have already pioneered the movement to fight climate change, it is still far from being a mainstream trend. When Linda decided to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, she did it wholeheartedly. Even it was not necessarily a popular one and far from being a social norm. From carrying her utensils everywhere to avoid single use plastic to shopping only at second hand stores. She has researched sustainable alternatives for daily consumables, tried DIY projects as replacement of store bought items that come with plastic bottles.
There are people who choose to take a path least traveled. Some people even take the most difficult steps to create a path that didn’t exist before. But when more and more people follow, that path widens and becomes a road.
Next time when you have a chance to visit the Chappaqua library and sit in that reading corner, keep Linda in your thoughts and think about what change you can bring to make our world a better place. Every change, big or small, matters. In the grand scale, individual effort seems minimal, but collectively we can make an impact.
It is such a difficult and painful fact to share that today marks the second year since we lost Linda. Yet, we always feel her presence in our hearts and minds.