Peace cranes land in Port Orchard

The Port Orchard Public Library is marking the fifth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 in a hands on way, inviting patrons to come in and help create 1,000 folded origami cranes. Origami cranes took on a special meaning after the book, “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” was published, telling the true story of a young Japanese girl dying of leukemia from the effects of radiation poisoning from the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945.

The Port Orchard Public Library is marking the fifth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 in a hands on way, inviting patrons to come in and help create 1,000 folded origami cranes.

Origami cranes took on a special meaning after the book, “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” was published, telling the true story of a young Japanese girl dying of leukemia from the effects of radiation poisoning from the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945.

The girl, Sadako Sasaki, learned of a Japanese legend that said if a person folded a thousand cranes their wish would be granted. She folded hundreds of cranes but died at age 12 in 1955 before reaching her goal. Since then, people all over the world have folded cranes as a symbol of peace.

Librarian Mary Jane Dunn said the crane folding project “gives people the ability to express themselves in a positive way and to remember what we treasure, such as our freedom.”

Dunn said the completed cranes, whatever the number, will probably be sent to a politician, but that hasn’t been decided. Until then they will be displayed in the library.

Patrons can come into the Port Orchard Library any time between now and Sept. 11 and start folding. Librarians will be happy to help young and old alike learn the art of origami crane making, which can be a bit tricky until you get the hang of it.

Paper is provided, printed instructions are available and librarians are on hand to assist with the folding. Crane folders can also write their own personal messages for peace on the cranes.

Port Orchard Library is also hosting a Freedom Wall project, in which patrons are invited to write a message on a paper brick, which will be added to a “wall” in the library.

For those who prefer a more vocal outlet, the library will provide a “Freedom Soap Box” at the library 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 11. Dunn said they have invited a number of local politicians to participate and the public is invited to come and read their favorite passages about freedom, from literature or political documents. Speakers will be given a five minute time slot.

The Port Orchard Library events are part of the Kitsap Regional Library county-wide “We the People” project to commemorate 9/11. Libraries throughout the county are hosting events Sept. 10 and 11.

The professional theatrical troupe “Living Voices” will present seven multi-media performances based on the theme of freedom. All the performances are free and suitable for all ages, with the exception of the Anne Frank presentation, which is not suitable for children under 12.

Events scheduled for Sept. 10 are “Through the Eyes of a Friend,” a story about Anne Frank, at the Manchester Library; “La Causa,” the story of a young Mexican woman who follows Ceasar Chavez and fights for her rights, at the Little Boston Library; “Island of Hope,” the story of a Russian Jewish girl arriving with her family at Ellis Island, at the Sylvan Way Library; “Northwest Passages,” an immigration story through the eyes of a young Swedish immigrant, at the Bainbridge Library; and “The Right to Dream” at the Port Orchard Library, a story of the civil rights era.

Events on Sept. 11 are the Freedom Soap Box at Port Orchard Library; “New American,” a saga of immigration to America, at the Silverdale Library and the downtown Bremerton Library; “Native Vision,” about a young Navajo girl who struggles to keep her culture in a government-run boarding school, at the Kingston Library; and “Northwest Passages” at the Poulsbo Library.

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