Two women who met in an English course, both natives of China, became volunteers in the Music Library in March of this year. These young women have taken on the responsibility of cleaning and putting in protective containers the library's extensive collection of 78 rpm recordings. Here is a little personal information about these folks who generously devote their time and abilities to the Music Library.
Xiaotao Liang, or Tonya as she prefers to be called in English, arrived in Madison with her husband, a post-doctoral student, nearly one year ago. Tonya has found Madison to be a peaceful place, especially compared to the bustle of her native Beijing, and she lauds the city's kind people and beautiful lakes.
Fang Huang, or Flora, also came to Madison about a year ago from her home in Kunming. The primary motivation for her move was to join her fiancé, also a student; the couple recently married here in Madison. Flora has discovered that winter in Wisconsin is too long and too cold, and a sharp contrast to the climate of her hometown, which in English translates as "Spring City."
Both have enjoyed the beauty of the Wisconsin's autumn colors and have found Madisonians to be friendly people who help one another. Tonya and Flora were surprised to discover how slow people drive in Madison! The volunteer experience has given them a chance to mingle with Americans, practice their English, and get out of the house for a while, too.
We are so pleased they have chosen to help us. Thank you, Flora and Tonya!