GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – With a tradition dating back to 1889, the Brown County Library released a new look to reflect and celebrate the community.
A ceremony on Tuesday unveiled the new library logo and a community-oriented messaging slogan of ‘Brown County Library-It’s yours’. The process to shift the messaging began back in spring of 2020.
“The word ‘library’ brings to mind certain things, right? Librarians in cardigans and glasses shushing you, certainly the book brand,” said Executive Director Sarah Sugden. “We really wanted to have that visual identity and brand that would enable us to better tell our story, better engage our community members, as well as better uplift us all.”
Sugden says the pandemic shifted a lot for everyone, and that the library feels that now more than ever, it’s important to bring their best to the community.
“We wanted to make sure that as people were moving into the future, that they know and really feel in our hearts that the Brown County Library is theirs. That is there when they need it for whatever they might need it,” Sugden told WTAQ News. “Not just books, of course, but we’ve got them if you need them! But really in closing that opportunity gap and digital gap and really helping everybody in our community thrive…Whatever they need! Whether it’s a cookbook or a computer for a court hearing or to fill out a job application – things like that. We really just felt that now is the time, and it’s never been more important.”
The library has been providing services since April, and buildings have been open since June – despite the pandemic. Sugden says that in various ways, it brought a new understanding of the role the library plays in the community.
“As our communities have changed, as society has changed, as we will continue to change – we will continue to change with them,” Sugden said. “Is a library still relevant in today’s society? We just firmly and joyfully assert that it has never been more relevant as our society continues to evolve and to move into the future, that we are right there, hand-in-hand with our people.”
The community also had a say in the new branding, as library leadership reached out to locals for input, insights, and involvement in the creation of the brand.
The new logo is a contemporary abstraction of two upright trees with interconnected branches, which is a reference to Brown County Library’s nine locations. The fresh and vibrant graphic identity intends to reflect attributes that were prevalent in the community survey. The old logo was introduced in the early ’90s, and it truly matches the era.
“Having an updated, modern visual identity is really important for any organization,” Sugden said. “You told us that you wanted something that reflected who we are – vibrant, welcoming, diverse in colors and shapes, ideas and expression. And who you seek us to be – innovative, advanced in our technology, and accessible for all…With a tagline of ‘It’s yours,’ we are putting Brown County residents as the heart of our refreshed brand. Ensuring that everyone who hears of the library can see themselves as an active participant who is welcome to come and explore all that is offered.”
A few library enthusiasts were also invited to give a brief statement on why the resource is so important to them.
“Brown County Library is my go-to resource for downloading movies, researching local and family history, and of course checking out books,” said Lashawnda.
“Brown County Library has been my out-of-school hangout to enhance my learning, creativity, and love for reading,” said Mariana, a local student.
“Brown County Library is our community. A convenient place to go in-person or virtually, right there in your neighborhood,” said Tom, a life-long card holder.
While the current plan will enhance library services and outreach within the environment of the physical spaces, a new web presence is also in the works. The new look will be seen digitally on the library website and social media, as well as in-person with banners hung outside of library locations.
Existing Brown County Library cards with the now-retired logo of a retro swoosh and purple color will continue to be accepted, and will remain in circulation for a while.
For more information about the Brown County Library, check out their website or call (920) 448-4400.
