Library Initiative logo
For the past nine years, as reported on UnBeige, Michael Bierut has led Pentagram’s work on the Library Initiative. Pentagram were responisble for creating signage, wayfinding, and the Library logo.
“We were trying, on a corny and simple level, to say ‘this is a library with a surprise inside,’” Bierut tells us. “I also like any logo that works when typed in any font (or at least any font with caps and an exclamation point).”
The logo certainly isn’t an original concept — replacing the ‘i’ with an exclamation mark — but does the appropriateness here (the surprise inside the library) make it an effective execution? I think so. Ground-breaking? No. Relevant? Yes.
Head over to the Pentagram blog to see more of the murals created for the library walls.
Photo copyright: Pentagram
It’s great to see libraries being refurbished like this, and I’m sure it’ll help a lot of kids get more from the local community. There’s a new library building here in Bangor I’ve yet to visit, and this initiative makes for a good reminder.
In the past I made a lot more use of library resources. Today, there’s not really a need. Still, it helps to have a change of scenery when researching a project.
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8 appreciated comments, click here to add one
Rachel
This logo is simple but effective and it’s good to see so much effort and money being put into revitalising libraries. It’s a constant challenge to get people into libraries. There is so much more available in them these days. So the surprise inside is really appropriate.
Kent Libraries are working on a similar program, changing all our 1970s look libraries to look much more modern and fresh. Our branding is a style based on the idea of connecting people to their interests and each other. The consistency of our publicity has made a huge difference to the way we are seen.
Apr 11th, 2009
Stephen Lee Ogden
I like the mark. The pentagram red over white is always nice despite the shape. I think the mark really stands out when compared to the collage of shapes in the mural. It’s a good contrast between crazy and clean.
Apr 11th, 2009
Armin
interesting … I suppose the initiative is the reason for this post, rather than the logo. An exclamation mark to replace the “i”, again?!
Nevertheless it serves it’s puporse.
Apr 11th, 2009
David Airey
Rachel,
It is good to see investment in libraries, and even though internet access makes a visit a rare occurrence for me, I’m sure this is greatly appreciated within the communities involved.
Stephen, Armin,
Thanks, guys. I just updated the post with a couple of thoughts about the logo. I hope you’re all enjoying the Easter weekend.
Apr 12th, 2009
Andrew Kelsall
I think the murals on the library walls are a great idea. It’s good to keep kids and adults alike interested. A new libary has just been built where I live, near Leeds.
The council knocked the old building down, but kept a massive 1.5m x 1m chunk of sandstone from the previous library from 1890-something, stating the old building name and year engraved in it―then mounted it outside the main door.
Although this wasn’t graphic design, it’s a great piece of “Art” in a way, and also helps draw attention the the library and its recourses. Just because we have the internet, doesn’t mean libraries should die out.
Oh yeah, great logo too…
Apr 13th, 2009
Al Woods
I like the familiarity of the L!brary logo if I’m honest, the fact that it hasn’t been attacked with the over indulgent stick. You only need to glance at it to understand the message, which is afterall what great advertising is based on, instant recognition.
As for the interior mural idea, love that!! It’s good to see this kind of project given the room to breathe and be expressed in it’s own environment rather than be created using clinical guidelines.
Apr 16th, 2009
David Airey
Seems like a great way to keep some of the heritage, Andrew (the sandstone slab).
Al,
I agree, it’s pleasing to see this thought and effort going into community libraries.
Enjoy the weekend, guys. It’s a great day by the sea.
Apr 17th, 2009
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