Irving Library Launches Origami Cranes Community Art Project

Press release from the City of Irving:

August 13, 2020

To celebrate International Peace Day on Sept. 21, the Irving Public Library and partners challenge Irving residents to create 1,000 origami cranes from Aug. 15-Sept. 15.

Beginning Aug. 15, the community is invited to pick up packages of origami paper, while supplies last, at any of the library’s drive-up windows and curbside pick-up locations, as well as at various community partner sites. No special paper is required. So you can also use paper from home to create origami cranes. Bring your cranes to the library by Sept. 15 where artist Sarah Downey will turn them into art installation pieces for future public displays at the South Irving, West Irving and Valley Ranch library locations.

During this time, residents will also notice pop-up origami art on the sides of library buildings and other areas in and around the city. Irving Library’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook channels will also feature supportive programming with special themes for Book Talk, Be Well, Mindful Minutes and a story walk in community areas near the South Irving Library and Valley Ranch Library.

Why are we doing this?

Origami is very popular art form and during this stressful time can also help people stay calm and busy. It’s also another way to bring the community together through art, which we can all enjoy. Origami Cranes for Peace is not a new endeavor. These projects are inspired by a young girl named Sadako Sasaki who at 12 years old developed leukemia as a result of radiation exposure during the bombing of Hiroshima. She is told by her father about a legend that says anyone who makes 1,000 paper cranes will receive a wish. Sadako and her paper cranes have become a symbol of peace worldwide.

How to Contribute

Fold as many paper cranes as you can using your own paper, the paper found in the origami kits provided by the Library, or printing out pattern sheets available for download on the Irving Cranes 2020 web page. In addition, spread the word and show your support by making cranes and sharing pictures of them over social media with the hashtag #IrvingCranes before donating them back to the Library for the art display.

Note: Do not place donations in the Library’s book drop. Hand them to a staff member during business hours at a drive-thru window or curbside pick-up location.

For more information, please visit the Irving Cranes 2020 web page or call (972) 721-2440 to be connected to the library location of your choosing.

This press release was produced by the City of Irving. The views expressed here are the author’s own.