A Symbol of Hope: 1000 Cranes To Adorn Spring Hill Library

For decades, the paper crane has stood as an ethereal symbol of peace throughout the world. And now, the Hernando County Public Library System invites the community to make the cranes that make the change by participating in A Symbol of Hope: 1000 Cranes To Adorn Spring Hill Library.

“In a vibrant display of peace and unity, Spring Hill Library will host a breathtaking exhibit of 1000 origami cranes. The delicate paper creations will be displayed in colorful strands, each a symbol of hope and healing,” said Jennifer Hodges, Branch Supervisor, Spring Hill Branch Library. “The library’s crane display will be a true community effort. Patrons of all ages are invited to visit the Spring Hill Branch through August 31 to pick up a crane origami kit. Drop off your cranes when finished and they will be included in the exhibit.”

This project finds its origins in a historically preserved tradition of artistic expression, one conceived in the name of peace by a very special young lady.

“The project was inspired by Sadako Sasaki, a young Japanese girl who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima only to succumb to leukemia years later,” said Hodges. “Legend says she began folding 1000 paper cranes with a wish for peace and recovery.”

Sadako, two years old when she survived the bombing and only 12 years old when she died, lives on through her divine form of heartfelt creative expression–as well in the form of a statue known as the Children’s Peace Monument, which stands today in Hiroshima. This sublime sculpture depicts the figure of Sadako standing atop the monument, with the sculpted figures of two children flanking its structure.
The memorial also offers a special interactive feature in the form of surrounding glass cases that hold countless paper cranes created by school and church groups, charity groups and individuals around the world.

Sadako also has been memorialized in the pages of children’s books, such as the highly rated Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr and Ronald Himler, and the frames of films that include the upcoming One Thousand Paper Cranes, starring Evan Rachel Wood and Shinobu Terajima.

“Though she passed away, her story remains a powerful symbol of resilience,” said Hodges. “The cranes are a poignant reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of working towards a more harmonious world.”

The “1000 Cranes for Peace” exhibit will be on display at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Dr, Spring Hill, September 21-December 1. This display will allow Hernando County to establish its own Children’s Peace Monument–one consisting of paper cranes made by the hands of caring residents.
Cyndi Loftis-Culp, Library Services Director of the Hernando County Public Library System, invites the public to be a part of the change by allowing their own creative juices and commitment to a more peaceful world to ‘take flight.’

“We look forward to seeing all of the participants and how they learn about the symbol behind the project,” she said. “Please come by and visit.”