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Sacramento Public Library unveils new brand and website, set to launch Nov. 5
Summary
The authority heard a presentation on Oct. 23 introducing a new visual identity and an accessibility-focused website scheduled to go live Nov. 5. The tagline 'Where Curiosity Meets Community' and a modular, multilingual color palette were explained; staff said the redesign follows audience research and accessibility testing.
The Sacramento Public Library will roll out a new brand identity and an accessibility-focused website on Nov. 5, a presenter told the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board on Oct. 23.
"Where Curiosity Meets Community" will be the system's new tagline, Lisa Martinez said, and the redesign is the result of a research-driven process begun in 2023 that included interviews, focus groups and surveys to shape positioning and usability. Martinez described the new logo as intentionally ambiguous — evoking books, pages and modular shelves — and said the palette and layout were chosen to reflect the library's 28 branches and the region's linguistic and cultural diversity.
Martinez said the authority audited the current website for accessibility and found it did not meet web accessibility guidelines in several areas; the new site will emphasize plain-language navigation, mobile responsiveness and tools to translate content into multiple languages. Martinez also explained the choice of a sans-serif typeface (PP Object Sans) for improved readability and said the authority will produce materials in multiple languages and formats.
Directors asked about logo meaning, font selection and whether the tagline will appear on all collateral. Director Karina Talamantes asked whether the logo elements are meant to represent books; "It is meant to feel like...books on a shelf," Martinez replied. Director Linda Lefkowitz and Director Linda Budge praised the emphasis on diversity and accessibility and offered minor design feedback about color intensity and rollout. Martinez said the primary public launch will be digital (website) on Nov. 5 and that physical signage and other materials will follow in subsequent phases.
Martinez told the board the research showed patrons "love the library" and often discover services they did not expect; the redesign aims to make those services easier to find. The new site will retain existing content but reorganize it to improve skimming, discovery and assistive-technology compatibility.
