A NEW VOLUME OF ENGAGEMENT

The Library Foundation of Newport Beach tasked us with the goal of modernizing the brand while reinforcing its close connection to the Newport Beach Public Library – one of the few Four-Star libraries in California.

​

Brand Runner Consulting developed an innovative identity program for Newport Beach to achieve citywide appeal and heightened engagement for the 1.2 million annual visitors to the four library branches.

​

STRATEGY

​

Brand Runner Consulting interviewed stakeholders across the community, library staff, and Foundation board members, and took a deep dive into the Foundation’s role in Orange County and how it compares with other library foundations nationwide.

From that work, we presented key insights along with several logo concepts – evolving the original boxed logo into a reader-focused image.

The final mark draws inspiration from the Library of Alexandria, a symbol of humanity’s pursuit of knowledge, where books were revered as vessels of wisdom.

 

RESULTS

​

To bring that spirit into a modern identity, we integrated the Newport Beach initials (NB) into a three-book stack silhouette, creating a clear visual link between the Foundation and the library. 

The vibrant color palette adds energy and a contemporary feel to the mark, signaling that the library is not just an archive, but a civic hub where curiosity and community meet.​​ The new logo extends smoothly into a cross-platform campaign, including book totes, athletic hats, and graphic tees. and online presence.

​

This project was done in conjunction with Pip Tompkin of Assume Nothing Studios.