CLPL Logo Redesign

One of the first ideas we discussed was to incorporate water into the new logo. As a library of the City of Crystal Lake, we felt it was representative of the community we serve.

Graphic Solutions provided us with seven initial drafts, based on ideas and examples that our PR team provided. No color was used at this point, as we wanted to really focus on the form.

At this point in the process, I also submitted a design for review (left).

I used an open book as the base for this graphic, with fluttering pages that turn into waves. I felt that this was a nice blend between an obvious library symbol and the water element that we were looking for.

The PR team sent over this design to Graphic Solutions, who used it as inspiration for another draft logo (right).

We narrowed down our initial seven drafts to the four we liked best. Next, color was introduced and we started to play around with the logo text.

The colors orange, green, and blue were suggested to bring more energy into our brand identity. Graphic Solutions gave us a couple different shades to work with, and we decided we liked the "true" royal blue best.

As a committee, we narrowed down the options to our two finalists. One of these final options was the design inspired by my submission, and I felt honored to have made something that many people resonate with.

It was at this point that we pitched the logo ideas to the board and allowed staff to vote on their favorite version. Ultimately, the sunbeam logo (top) was chosen as our new logo, and we got the OK to continue with the rebrand.

This final logo is a much better representation of what the Crystal Lake Public Library is to the community. The vibrant colors reflect the innovation and creativity that CLPL staff embody, and the radial movement of graphic elements (such as the sunbeams and book pages) captures the energetic presence of the library.

Library staff have been extremely proud to enter this new era, and the response from the community has been equally great. This project has stirred up a lot of excitement in our patrons, who are happy to see such positive forward momentum.