By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–In an effort to improve the overall image and visibility of the Jane B. Holmes Public Library, a new logo has been chosen to represent the library.

Members of the library board got together a few weeks back to discuss possible ideas for changing the logo.

Board member Laura Joseph helped with the design of the majority of the logos and described the process it took to get to the winning design.

“There were several of us that got together and we searched and looked at other library logos and at our first meeting we brought in some we really liked,” said Joseph. “We ended up having 40 something logos and we started talking about what we want to communicate and who are our customers. We worked on message development and then it kind of evolved from there. We narrowed our message down to ‘Tradition meets Technology.’”

The designs were narrowed down to the final two logos and patrons were asked to vote on their favorite design by voting using donations to the logo they preferred.

The voting began on Thursday, Sept. 17 at the library’s birthday party and between the book sale, general donations from the public, and the logo contest, the library raised over $500.

The winning logo won by a margin of $46.12 to $24.05 when comparing donation totals.

The winning logo features a colorful design that reflects the variety of materials and services the library offers and the slogan, “Tradition Meets Technology,” that demonstrates a commitment to the future while sustaining the history that makes Helena great, according to Library Director Dan Dearing.

“We had people of all ages and from every corner of our community cast votes with nickels, dimes and even bills,” said Dearing. “The library is very excited about the logo. Special thanks to the library board for their direction and input and to Board Secretary Laura Joseph for her hard work on the design process. It took a lot of attempts and input from the Friends of the Jane B. Holmes Public Library, the staff and the Board.”

The Jane B. Holmes Public Library features Free DVD check out, Free WIFI service and lots of great books and audio books.

The library is located at 230 Tucker Road in Helena.