An optical scanner apparatus particularly suited for use in a laser bar code reader includes a series of mirrors mounted in a basket-like array about the optical beam axis. A mirror is mounted obliquely across the beam axis, directly on the path of the beam, to fold the beam generally radially outwardly toward the array of mirrors. In one embodiment of the invention the oblique first mirror is rotated about the beam axis, while in another embodiment the oblique first mirror is held stationary and the array of mirrors is rotated, to reflect the beam forwardly, generally in the direction the beam axis is pointing. If the oblique first mirror rotates, a plurality of scan lines, including non-parallel scan lines, are formed on a surface to be scanned; if the array of mirrors is rotated instead of the single mirror, a series of parallel scan lines will be produced. The mirrors can be oriented at desired angles to produce virtually any desired scan pattern. In a preferred embodiment a central tubular member or spindle is hollow and within it are located some components of a laser, to shorten the length of the overall assembly into a more compact configuration.