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 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 solution? 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 in my hometown 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 (to clarify: there’s not really a need for me, but libraries offer a great service to those without the good fortune I’ve had in my life).
Hosted by the excellent 
15 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
Katie
I have a problem with this post. Not the logo, not the design…but the quote at the end….
“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.”
I am a Librarian at a public library on Long Island and I strongly disagree with your words. We offer so much more to our community then just a research paper. You can now download books, see performances, get the newest best-seller, see a movie, get a cd of your favorite band, see art work from a local artist in the gallery, go online, get wireless…FOR FREE. People today with the economy are and should be taken advantage of all the public library has to offer. Our stats are higher then they have ever been. So there really is a NEED! I am also a graphic designer for the library and find that designing a logo for a public (non-for profit) library is one of the hardest things to do. How do you say how much you have to offer in just one word?
I think you should visit your library and see what we have. The logo you talked about…it proof….the “surprise” would be on you!
And by the way we are in NEED! If you talked to one of your local librarians they could tell you!
I found your post to be ignorant, primitive and uninformed.
Apr 12th, 2010
David Airey
Hello Katie,
I could’ve made myself more clear (and I’ve updated the post to be sure). I wasn’t saying there’s no need for libraries. Far from it. Just that there’s not really a need for me.
Apr 12th, 2010
Rachel
Wow such passion from Katie, her Libraries are lucky to have her. I would be keen to share ideas with her as I am in similar position, although I find because I don’t have a library background I have a better customer viewpoint.
It is people with opinions such as yours David that we are trying to convert. You may not feel that libraries have anything to offer you, but what Katie trying to say is that there most probably is something because our services are so diverse.
It’s really frustrating for those of us trying to promote libraries that we have to constantly fight against stereotypical views of libraries. But then is that not the whole point of the ‘surprise inside’ you have commented on.
However you would not be our target audience as you can see the value of libraries and can manage without. It is curious that the people that actually ‘need’ the library don’t use them!
Apr 16th, 2010
David Airey
I can understand where you’re both coming from, Rachel, particularly as it’s been a number of years since I spoke to anyone about library services.
In fact, you’ve both prompted me to visit my local library and see what’s on (there’s one a 10-minute walk away).
Apr 16th, 2010
Rachel
That’s fab, I’d be interested to know what you think.
My line manager discovered you the other day, and recommended you to me. When I said you put together an excellent book, she told me to get one. So I’ve placed an order for our libraries. So we’ll be promoting for you too!
Jun 9th, 2010
David Airey
Great to know, Rachel! Superb. Thank you.
Jun 13th, 2010
Reply to “Library Initiative logo”
All comments are subject to the Logo Design Love comment policy.