For thousands of years, people have been folding paper into strange and wonderful shapes. Each generation learning the old patterns and creating new ones. You can be a part of this grand tradition by participating in the art of Origami at your local library! We have books and DVDs you can checkout, and even a new monthly origami program where you can learn to fold something new each month.
Starting in March, the first Wednesday of each month will feature the Origami of the Month program at your Main Library (202 Cedar St.). Each month will showcase a different origami figure, with instructions, models, and supplies provided. This program is an informal, come-and-go style activity with the supplies provided all day (or until supplies run out). You can come any time on the program day to the basement area of the Main Library and create your own origami. The librarian hosting the program (yours truly) will be available to help, but if you already have some skill with origami, you can simply see what the model of the month is and create it using the origami paper provided. The first even will be held Wednesday, March 3 from 9:30AM to 5:30PM. For more information, call 325-676-6025.
If you want to learn more about origami, you can check out the wide variety of origami books and DVDs available at the library. If flowers are your favorite, try Origami Flowers by Soonboke Smith. Smith provides detailed instructions and beautiful color photographs of over thirty different projects, along with advice on how to use different types of paper to create a variety of effects.
Paper airplanes are always popular, and Patrick Wang, son of an Air Force pilot, provides a collection of fantastic military airplane models in his book, Origami Model Airplanes. With detailed step-by-step instructions and fully illustrated diagrams, you can learn to fold the 23 different types of airplanes described, including ones like the F-18 Hornet and F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. Along with the origami instructions, Wang includes numerous facts about the actual airplanes.
Renowned origami artists, Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander, provide a comprehensive set of lessons in their book, LaFosse & Alexander’s Essential Book of Origami: The Complete Guide for Everyone. The book includes a DVD, which takes you through 16 lessons to progress from a beginner to intermediate origami artist. The authors also share tips on how to create your own paper, display artwork, and sell your art.
These books and more are available at the Abilene Public Library for check out. If you need assistance getting started with a library card or finding a particular book, please contact your nearest library. The Main Library is located downtown, and the phone number is 325-677-2474. The South Branch Library is located inside the Mall of Abilene, and the phone number is 325-698-7565. We hope to see you soon!
Post Contributed by Susannah Barrington, Librarian I