Wichita Public Library approves 'Family Place' signage prototype honoring Robert Layton

Wichita Public Library Director Jamie Nicks said the system will expand a Family Place early-learning program and approved a prototype branded signage package for the Advanced Learning Library honoring recently retired staffer Robert Layton. The meeting voted to approve the prototype for interior application at all seven branches and limited exterior use at one or two larger locations.

Jamie Nicks, who introduced the Family Place concept as a nationally recognized, research-based family engagement program, said the Advanced Learning Library is already certified and that staff plan to certify all seven locations over the next two years. “We have an opportunity to create and elevate an early learning initiative,” Nicks said, describing a mix of play space, parent collections and early-learning workshops staffed to support parents as “their kids’ first and best teacher.”

Nicks told participants the library foundation (referred to in the discussion as SNCA funds) is supporting the effort and that the foundation has about $150,000 committed to help scale the initiative. She said the approved prototype will serve as a template: interior applications are expected at all seven branches, while exterior signage will be limited to one or two larger branches and tailored to each site’s color palette and footprint.

A Committee member moved to approve “the branded signage for the Robert Layton Family Place” for systemwide use; the Chair seconded the motion. The Committee member also clarified that this signage is not being handled as a public art project and, because it will be applied to city-owned facilities, designs must be reviewed by the city design council before exterior installation. "It needs to come to design council for approval," the Committee member said.

During discussion, a participant raised a concern that dominant exterior signage could confuse visitors about the building’s identity. Nicks acknowledged the risk and said the library will work to present Family Place in a way that reflects Wichita and does not obscure the library’s identity: “We are the Wichita Public Library,” she said, adding that organizers allowed flexibility in naming and presentation to make the brand locally appropriate.

The Chair called the vote; all present said "aye" and the motion carried. The transcript records a unanimous voice vote but does not provide a numeric tally. Next steps included returning with branch-specific designs and interior installation plans at future meetings and seeking required approvals from the design council for exterior placements.

The meeting also noted time for an optional short tour of public art at the Brewer Center before adjourning.