Johnson City Public Library Logo

When asked to create branding for the local public library, I considered what a library is, but more importantly what it means to its community. Most of us might not give their local library much thought, but it’s more than just a building full of books you can borrow. It’s a linchpin of society as it is 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. While it’s impossible to visually embody everything a library is, I felt I was able to weave many meaningful facets into the mark.

LOGO ANATOMY:

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 modern 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 Johnson’s Depot and its tradition of progress.

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

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