The Oak Lawn Public Library (OLPL) stands as a vital institution within its community, serving over 56,000 residents across various age groups, from children to seniors. The library offers an array of services and programs aimed at enriching the lives of its patrons and fostering community engagement. Among its outreach efforts, OLPL mails out quarterly newsletters, titled “Know,” designed to inform and inspire residents to participate in library programs, access services, and utilize public spaces.
Challenges: Before the redesign initiative, the “Know” newsletter faced several significant challenges:
- Cluttered Layout: The newsletter suffered from cluttered layouts, making it challenging for readers to navigate and absorb information effectively.
- Inconsistencies and Redundancies: Content inconsistencies and redundancies diminished the overall readability and impact of the newsletter.
- Limited Engagement: Despite the wealth of content, the previous design failed to captivate readers and lacked the necessary visual appeal to drive engagement.
- First Impression Concerns: As the primary communication tool for OLPL, the newsletter served as the initial point of contact for many patrons. Thus, its design and presentation were critical in shaping perceptions of the library.
Solution: The redesign of the “Know” newsletter aimed to address these challenges and elevate OLPL’s communication efforts. Key elements of the solution included:
- Comprehensive Overhaul: Led by an experienced team comprising an art director, designer/photographer, and editor, the redesign project involved a complete overhaul of the newsletter’s visual identity and content structure.
- Bold Visual Elements: The new design embraced bold colors, playful illustrations, and striking typography to create a visually stimulating experience for readers.
- Local Photography: Incorporating imagery capturing the essence of Oak Lawn and its diverse community added authenticity and relevance to the newsletter’s content.
- Streamlined Content: Working closely with an editor, redundant and inconsistent content was eliminated, ensuring a streamlined and engaging reading experience.
- Community-Centric Approach: Recognizing OLPL’s role as a community hub, the redesigned newsletter aimed to reflect the warmth and inclusivity of Oak Lawn, catering to the varied needs and interests of its residents across different age groups and cultural backgrounds.
Results: The redesigned “Know” newsletter achieved significant improvements in several areas:
- Enhanced Engagement: The revitalized design garnered greater reader interest and engagement, resulting in increased attendance at library programs and events.
- Positive Reception: Patrons and stakeholders responded favorably to the new look and feel of the newsletter, praising its readability, visual appeal, and relevance to the community.
- Improved First Impression: Serving as the initial point of contact for many residents, the redesigned newsletter effectively conveyed OLPL’s commitment to serving the Oak Lawn community, leaving a positive first impression.
- Continued Iteration: The redesign process laid the foundation for ongoing refinement and improvement, with regular feedback loops ensuring that the “Know” newsletter remains responsive to the evolving needs and preferences of its audience.
Conclusion: By reimagining the “Know” newsletter, Oak Lawn Public Library succeeded in transforming a traditional communication tool into a dynamic and engaging platform for community outreach. Through bold design choices, streamlined content, and a focus on inclusivity, the redesigned newsletter exemplifies OLPL’s dedication to fostering meaningful connections with its patrons and reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the Oak Lawn community.
