Children create origami art at Jaffrey Public Library’s weekly club

At a table in the teen corner in the Jaffrey Public Library, children gather every Thursday to create works of art out of paper.

The Origami Club, a drop-in weekly after-school activity, came straight from the suggestion of a young patron, said Library Director Julie Perrin.

Luke Aylott, 11, was the driving force behind the creation of the club, after an attempt to start an origami club at his school struggled to get off the ground. His mother contacted the library about the idea of hosting a club, and Perrin said she agreed immediately.

Three or four children regularly attend the club gatherings, which started at the end of January.

Youth Services Librarian Kayla Charlonne described the club as “free play with crafting.” The library has some origami books, as well as instructions for kirigami — a similar paper folding art that includes cutting the paper — and the children get to choose whatever might interest them. Charlonne assists those who need help following the folding instructions.

Charlonne said it’s a learning experience for her, too. She remembers making small origami projects when she was younger (though, she admits, the only two she remembers how to make by rote are fortune tellers and a lotus flower).

Luke Aylott said he discovered origami at the Jaffrey Farmers Market when he found an origami book for sale. The book showed how to make origami finger puppets out of Star Wars characters. A Star Wars fan, Luke picked up the book.

“It really fascinated me, so I got it and I realized I loved it,” he said. “I just kept doing it.”

In fact, during the Thursday session, while another participant, Maizie Shirey, tried her hand at a new fold to create a party bowl, Luke used origami and kirigami to fold some of his favorite Star Wars characters from memory, including General Grievous, Admiral Ackbar and Darth Vader.

At the end of the session, members get to add to a display shelf showing off their creations. The shelf already includes a number of creations from previous club days: simple boxy rabbits and carefully folded butterflies, frogs and birds.

Charlonne said the books they have allow for a range of difficulties, from those suitable for beginners to more challenging projects. She said the children who attend can pick their own comfort level.

The Jaffrey Public Library’s Origami Club meets every Thursday at 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Teen Corner, and is open for children of all ages. The club is drop-in and does not require registration.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.