Library exterior proposed design
The Northern Sun Library project began as the challenge to take an existing brand and propose a new visual identity while emphasizing its existing mission statement and values. I chose the Great River Regional Library (GRRL) system, which I grew up visiting often and have a fond attachment to.
Great River Regional Library empowers Central Minnesotan communities to explore, learn, and connect by providing free access to books, resources, and opportunities. It has 32 different library branches, serving over 95,000 borrowers across Minnesota.
To begin this project, we were instructed to determine a plausible reason why our brand may have chosen to undergo the process of creating a new visual identity. I proposed that with the rise of digital media and AI advancements, the library would seek to better engage younger generations by supporting literacy and community. This focus on children and teens was the foundation to my approach of this identity system.
Throughout this project, I did many hours of research into the GRRL brand and its values. I also had the opportunity to interview Bernadette Stephenson, current graphic designer with the Great River Regional Library. She noted that main competitors to the library include bookstores, but also reading apps and streaming services. I worked to elevate the brand's visuals to stand out in comparison to brands such as Barnes and Noble, Kindle, and Netflix.
One of the key pieces of this brand that I reimagined the name, which I proposed would change to Northern Sun Library. This short and memorable name both emphasized the midwestern location and supported the new fun, sun-inspired identity.
Library cards
Library website
Bookmarks
Letterhead
Employee badge
T-shirt
Summer reading challenge flyer
Digital library app
