Library Open in Temporary Location in City Hall

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Published on August 3 2015 10:14 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Helen Matthes Library closed Friday evening and reopened on Monday morning as Effingham Public Library, in a temporary location, at Effingham City Hall, 201 E. Jefferson. With the new name comes a new logo approved by the Library Board at their June meeting.

As plans for the new library location developed, the need for a new logo became apparent as Catherine Bailey, Marketing Coordinator explains: “The Helen Matthes Library has always been one of the most progressive libraries in downstate Illinois. It is known throughout its community and the greater library world for its active and innovative approach to services and programming. With the new name and move to a more modern facility, it was clear that the library needed a logo that would more accurately reflect all that the library has to offer.  It was really important to us that we found a designer and a logo that creatively reflected this.”

Steve Hartman is a designer who has shown in his previous library design work that he is not only passionate about libraries and their place in the different communities they serve, but also recognizes how much they have adapted and continue to adapt to the changing needs of those communities.  Ms. Bailey further notes: “We are delighted with the logo he has designed for us.”

Logo Rationale:

The logo was designed with a number of concepts imbedded in the design mark itself.

First, the logo’s overall shape suggests the letter E for Effingham.  The turned edges of the upper and lower planes represent pages of a book and the turning of a page - denoting progress.  Third, each plane represents the three core values of the Effingham Public Library – Technology, Culture and Service.

Technology is represented by the vibrant color blue, inspired by the phrase "The sky is the limit." An active and energetic color, Culture is represented by the vibrant magenta.  Service is represented by the vibrant green, and stands for the foundation of EPL's commitment to the community.

About Steve Hartman

Steve Hartman is a Creative Director living in Southern Illinois. He has designed for similar public institutions such as The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library, St Louis County Library Foundation, Eastern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University.

To contact the library with questions, call (217) 342-2464 or email  info@effinghamlibrary.org.