Library logo design reflecting changing times

The new Barrington Area Library design by Kasey Dasko.

Updated: October 28, 2011 12:30PM

When people visit libraries, they’re just as likely to be going to use a computer, take a class, or hear a concert or a talk, as they are to check out books.

The Barrington Area Library decided it needed a new logo to reflect the diversity of activities and resources available to patrons in the library district, which covers 72 square miles, making it the largest library district in Illinois.

Replacing the “Three Readers” design is a simple and more streamlined logo designed by Kasey Dasko, of Glen Ellyn, an art student at Harrington College of Design in Chicago. Dasko’s design features the word “library” in all dark gray lower-case letters, except for the green “b.” Below the word “library” are the words “barrington area,” also in green.

In 2010, Detlev Pansch, the library’s director, felt the library needed a new logo that reflected all the modern services available in and out of the facility, including self-check technology, contemporary media lab, downloadable content and online reference resources, as well as books. Instead of hiring a professional designer, he and Sharon Doty, former library public information manager, approached the Harrington College of Design about giving students the opportunity to create a new logo. It would cost the library nothing, but provide nice resume-building material for a student.

Karen McBride, current public information manager at the Barrington Area Library, said Dasko’s design best conveys what the library is all about.

“The modern, elegant design says that this is an evolving, 21st century library,” she said. “The design is unlike anything we’ve ever seen for a public library. We think that uniqueness and sophistication works beautifully for a community like Barrington, where culture, art and creativity are appreciated and encouraged.”

The new design, in time, will be seen on library cards, signs throughout the library, video display screens, newsletters, envelopes and the new delivery van. McBride said the library is making an effort to be environmentally and fiscally responsible by phasing out the “Three Readers” design and introducing the Dasko design as needed.

Dasko, who visited the library with other student artists vying for the designer title, spent about four months developing the design. She is currently a senior at the college and plans specializing in branding and packaging either in Chicago or California after graduating.

“They were looking for something contemporary and sophisticated, so that was my goal,” she said, explaining the green lower-case letter b in the logo, which also includes the lower-case letter l. This, she said, can be seen in the breaks in the logo, which when it stands alone is representative of Barrington Library.

“It is rounded to portray the feel of a community, and thin for a contemporary artistic appeal,” she added.

The color selection is significant.

“The b is green because it is the logo and it is important to have clear hierarchy. The lime green and gray have high contrast, making the logo stand out from the word. When you see the word library with that b, you will automatically know that is the Barrington Area Library,” she said. “I chose the color green for the design because when I think of the Barrington library, it makes me think of growth, learning, experience and how they are trying to make a positive impact on people within the community. Green is the color of fertility, life, learning and harmony. Green symbolizes powerful energy. It also works well in contrast with the 90 percent gray in the identity.”

This isn’t the first time Dasko’s work has shown up in Barrington and elsewhere.

She’s done work for the Barrington Marketing Group, the Presbyterian Church of Barrington, the Claro Group, LifeTime Fitness, the Cancer Foundation’s “Cancer Come in Every Color,” 10 Haircare and BioInfusions.

“It was such a pleasure to work with the Barrington Area Library,” she said. “I am so happy they are excited about their new designs.”

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