Dr. Kwok-Chu Lee donates 46,730 books to Richmond Public Library
Since 1995, Richmond Public Library has amassed an impressive Chinese language collection thanks to Dr. Kwok-Chu Lee.
But last year, the author, businessman, artist, calligrapher and fortune-teller, also known as Master Lam Chun, gave the library a donation that dwarfed his previous generosity.
Lee gave 46,730 Chinese books, 200 VCDs and various art works to the library, worth $1 ,195,200 million. The Chinese-language books include art books, psychology, rare texts and more.
“We truly have a national treasure on our hands,” librarian Wendy Jang said.
Lee first made his first donation to the library in 1995, when he gave 1,800 Chinese books. Thousands of books and donations followed, including 2001’s donation of $20,000 and 9,436 Chinese books.
In total, Lee has given 101,112 items to the library valued at $1,530,351.38.
Lee spends most of his time in Hong Kong these days, but will be in town on August 29 for a special recognition ceremony.
The library is also launching a series of programs in the celebration of Chinese culture in honour of Dr. Kwok-Chu Lee based on the major subjects represented in the 2011 donation.
There are free activities for adults and kids in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Registration required. Call 604-231-6413 or see www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm for more info.
The program includes talks on learning Mandarin, effective Chinese diet therapies, an introduction to the Book of Changes, an introduction to traditional Chinese medicine and more.
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