Hartford Library Celebrates 250th With Rebranding

Hartford Public Library

HARTFORD, CT— A city institution that has impacted the lives of countless residents is celebrating a major milestone birthday this year.

Earlier this month, the Hartford Public Library launched its 250th anniversary celebration with a reveal of a new brand and logo at the library's Center for Contemporary Culture.

The launch event — led by HPL President and CEO Bridget E. Quinn and Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam — offered attendees the "first look" of the new primary brand as well as an anniversary brand that will be used through 2024.

As outlined in this animated video, the new brand is a collection of meaningful icons that represent the services, community, and core values of HPL.

“We are so thrilled to unveil this new brand, bringing a refreshed visual identity to our distinguished institution founded in 1774,” said Quinn. “This wonderful new brand is inspired by our history but also reflects our community, our values, and the Library’s future as we recognize 250 years as one of Hartford’s anchor institutions.”

“This is a major milestone for a library system that is older than our nation," said Arulampalam. "Bridget and her staff are continually innovating and expanding the ways in which they serve the residents of our city. It is part of what makes Hartford Public Library the best library system in the country.”

Featuring language-neutral visuals, the icons range from the expected (books, conversation bubbles, technology) to the unique (Hartford landmarks and traditions).

The brand launch is just the beginning of what is to come throughout the milestone 250th year.

HPL has a wide range of programs and activities planned to celebrate this milestone and engage the community in the ongoing legacy of HPL.

It is also launching a dedicated 250th-anniversary website to help the public stay up to date on all of the festivities.

For more information on the Hartford Public Library system, click on this link.