Johnson City Public Library Logo

THE PROBLEM

Johnson City Public Library wanted to revitalize their image. While we all know libraries have books and media, JCPL specifically wanted to communicate that they’re an essential resource for the community as well.

THE INSIGHT

Libraries linchpin of society—a helpful resource of information in all of its forms and channels for anyone who may need it, a facilitator of social programs, a second school for many children, a proponent of the arts, and safe place for all intellectual pursuits. I also wanted to convey a sense of the community it serves as well, in this case Johnson City, TN.

THE SOLUTION

While it’s impossible to visually embody everything a library is, I endeavoured to weave many meaningful facets into the mark.

LOGO ANATOMY:

1. MEDIA:
Two books (or magazines/newspapers), one facing back to the left, and one facing forward to the right, represent the library’s history of providing quality traditional media as well as looking forward to bring new media formats andtimely resources to the community. They overlap to suggestJCPL’s simultaneous understanding of all media. The book on the right includes a reader’s head, which when combined with the book, loosely mimics the headlight and pilot (cowcatcher) of a locomotive, which allude to JohnsonCity’s origins as the railroad town of Johnson’s Depot and its tradition of progress.

2. MOUNTAINS AND SUN:
The skyline symbolizes the East Tennessee smoky mountains region and the JCPL’s commitment to serving the surrounding community.

3. BLUES, GREEN, AND GOLD:
These inviting colors represent vitality and growth. They suggest fresh excitement for new information and intellectual endeavors.