Origami mystery unfolding at Western University libraries in London, Ont.
The folded paper animals have been popping up since last semester
Someone is leaving intricate origami masterpieces around the libraries at Western University in London, Ont., to the delight of staff and students.
The paper animals started popping up at the music library last semester, said director Brian McMillan.
"They've certainly brightened our day," he said about the origami — the Japanese art of paper folding.
Among the intricate designs are turtles, dinosaurs, cranes and a dragon, said Crystal Mills, the user services manager at Taylor library, which holds the university's medicine, science and technology collection.
"We assume this is a hobby that a student uses to de-stress while studying in the library, and they might have been studying in the music library and then moved over to Taylor," Mills said.
"One of our student staff left a note saying, 'Leave us more origami!' and the artist actually did leave us more next to the note."
Staff at both libraries have displayed the folded paper animals for all to see.
"We have a little menagerie of animals now," said Mills. "It's very charming, and everybody loves them. We're delighted when we find a new one."
She said part of the fun is the mystery of who is leaving the beautiful creations.
"I don't think it matters who the student is in particular. The art speaks for itself."