
At the Case Memorial Library, the Friends of the Library have completed an installation celebrating 1000 Origami Paper Crane project in the main floor gallery. This Japanese practice of paper folding is an old art reserved for ceremonies since the 6th century to decorate weddings and shrines. The crane later became a popular image in design and textiles as far back as the 16th century. In Japan legend states that the crane, a large migratory bird is thought to live 1000 years. It inspires longevity, good fortune and happiness. In 1977, a children’s historical novel, “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” written by Eleanor Coerr, set in Japan after World War 11 about Sadako Sasaki was published. This beautiful story came to symbolize hope, healing and peace.