Winner named in Willingboro library logo contest

WILLINGBORO The Willingboro Public Library has a new logo to complete its transformation as a community center for information.

Alleanna Harris, 20, submitted the winning entry in the contest to replace the outdated logo. The contest began Jan. 13 and ended Feb. 17.

"It's very exciting," said Harris, a junior at the University of the Arts. "This is my first major win. It makes me feel great"

Two runners-up were named: Michael L. Clay, 28, a graphic designe; and Christian Freeman, both of Willingboro. The contest was open only to township residents.

Harris, an animation major and aspiring television network artist, said she included a tree in her design to symbolize growth. She read about the contest on a scholarship website and entered because she thought it was "pretty awesome."

"I wasn't sure I had a chance," she said.

Her entry was selected by the strategic planning committee of the library board of trustees.

The design impressed the judges because it reinforced the library's new tagline, "Opportunity for everyone," director Christine King said.

"We loved her design," King said in a statement. It replaces the blue 1970s-era logo displaying the letters WPL and the words "Your Community Information Center."

Harris will receive a $250 cash prize and a certificate at the April 9 trustees meeting.

The library adopted the new tagline in November and launched the logo contest as part of a campaign to rebrand itself and make it relevant in an increasingly electronic age.

Reference librarian Susan Hacker came up with the new tagline.

The goal is to reinforce the library's image as a community center where visitors can not only check out books but also attend workshops, take an exercise class, or see an art exhibit.

"We're just going to look at it in a different way," said Christine Hill, the library's assistant director.

Libraries across the country are undergoing a similar transformation to change their roles to meet the changing needs of residents.

The Willingboro Library has about 36,000 active members.