For 120 years, DC Public Libraries have served DC residents and visitors as a vital community institution. This year, the centerpiece of DC Public Library’s revitalization is the reopening of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The modernized physical space and planned innovative programming will demonstrate to residents and visitors that DC’s libraries have a rich history and an even stronger future in the nation’s capital.

At the approach of this important milestone, the MMD branding team was hired to create a suite of materials to help bring important funding and partnership opportunities to the library system.   The foundation has been investing in DC’s most important community institution since 1985.

It was time to take greater opportunity for strategic investments to continue the trajectory of growth. In partnership with DC Public Library, the DC Public Library Foundation identified key areas where philanthropic support will enable DC Public Library to better serve all residents— and redefine for the nation the services public libraries provide.

MMD began the assignment with a simple logo refresh for the Foundation logo, adding some dimension and a more modern design aesthetic, but keeping the integrity and equity of the iconic "L".   The scope of work also included a brochure, which contained a timeline depicting the history of the library system, as well as an overview of the strategic vision carrying the DC Public Library system into the next decade.  The collateral package also included a pocket folder. The contemporary design direction, with clean typography and slanted design elements which convey movement forward, work in concert with the key messaging.