To celebrate National Library Week, which runs from April 4th-April 10th, Community Services Librarian Greta Selin-Love invites everyone to take part in a very special project at the Victor Farmington Library. Years ago, Greta first learned that cranes are a symbol of hope and healing, and heard the long-held Japanese belief that anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes will receive a wish. During Coronavirus, “Sadako’s Cranes” by Judith Loske inspired her to begin folding cranes and bring people of all ages together to reach the mammoth goal of 1,000 origami cranes. “Folding these beautiful cranes has a meditative quality, which is helpful in stressful times” Greta explains. For details on learning to fold and string origami cranes on April 8th and April 15th, please visit the library’s online event calendar. Then, bring your strands of finished cranes to the library. Victor Farmington Library will hang 1,000 community-made cranes this summer to mark the progress being made in healing from the world-wide pandemic.
This undertaking dovetails nicely with the library’s mission, to promote and nurture a sense of community by offering the space and resources for educational, recreational, and cultural enrichment for patrons of all ages. Making paper cranes uses inexpensive, easily available supplies. In fact, some online versions of Sadako’s story claim that she folded her cranes from medicine wrappers and other materials like cellophane. The 1,000 Cranes Project also represents the accessibility and inclusivity that the Victor Farmington Library strives for, which is a natural tie to National Library Week. A National Park Service article about Sadako Sasaki elaborates that while her wish for healing was not granted, her legacy of persevering did indeed promote healing and peace.
Perfect for book clubs, scout troops, youth groups, and service clubs, the project also lends itself to those who wish to participate independently. Participants are encouraged to deliver completed paper cranes to the library by May 31st. Those looking to lead a group in making cranes are encouraged to call Greta Selin-Love at 585-924-2637 x105 for free lessons and origami paper. Please stop by the library in June to view this spectacular display rooted in hope, healing and collaboration.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April. During National Library Week, free library-themed worksheets will be available for children at Victor Farmington Library.
