Cordelia Anderson Consulting

05/18/2026

What makes a good library brand? It’s not just a logo, color palette, or set of fonts. Those things matter, but a strong library brand has to go deeper. It should reflect who the library is, who it serves, and what it means to the community.

I’ve seen a lot of library logos built around familiar symbols: books, trees, buildings, rivers, pathways, and people. None of those are wrong. But the bigger question is whether those symbols capture what a specific library means in the lives of the people it serves.

In my latest post, I share thoughts on what makes a library brand meaningful, memorable, and rooted in community — with examples from branding projects. Read it here: https://cordeliaandersonconsulting.com/2026/05/12/what-makes-a-good-library-brand

05/13/2026

Library leaders are often expected to speak clearly and calmly in challenging moments — whether talking with reporters, answering questions at public meetings, or addressing community concerns.

That confidence does not come from memorizing the perfect answer. It comes from preparation.

In my latest post, I share takeaways from a recent workshop for the Association for Rural & Small Libraries, including a simple framework for difficult questions, why frontline staff need a media inquiry protocol, and how stronger impact stories can help libraries communicate their value.

Read the post here: https://cordeliaandersonconsulting.com/2026/05/05/speaking-with-confidence-takeaways-for-public-libraries/

05/07/2026

A colleague reached out with a library furniture question, and I’m sharing here in case anyone in this network has leads:

They are looking to add several traditional, long wooden study tables and classic student lamps to their library, inspired by historic reading rooms like at the Boston Public Library (pictured).

Fun personal connection: my great-great-grandfather, Isaac Woodbury of Woodbury & Leighton, was one of the builders of the Boston Public Library, along with Charles McKim.

This colleague is wondering whether any libraries are replacing this style of furniture as they modernize or renovate their spaces. They would be very interested in exploring available pieces that could help create a timeless, academic reading-room atmosphere.

Do you know of any libraries, vendors, surplus programs, university facilities departments, or architectural salvage sources that might be worth contacting?

Please feel free to comment here or message me, and I’ll pass along any leads. Thank you!

05/05/2026

Creativity in library marketing doesn’t always mean adding something new. Sometimes it means simplifying a message, removing visual clutter, or giving staff clearer tools so they can spend less time guessing and more time creating.

In this post, I reflect on how brand guidelines, templates, and visual appeal standards can actually support creativity — not limit it. Because the choice isn’t between consistency and creativity. The real opportunity is to build systems that allow both to thrive.

https://cordeliaandersonconsulting.com/2026/05/05/clarity-makes-room-creativity/

04/29/2026

One of my favorite parts of a library branding project is finishing the brand audit and seeing all of the pieces in one place.

Flyers, signage, social posts, presentations, and templates each tell part of the story. When you step back and look at them together, the opportunities become clearer: stronger cohesion, better storytelling, and a brand system that helps everything connect.

Learn more about our branding approach and how we’ve helped libraries here: https://cordeliaandersonconsulting.com/services/branding

04/22/2026

This is a great way to celebrate a centennial while also highlighting the work that libraries have always done. Los Angeles Public Library always gets the tone just right. Happy 💯!!! 🎂🎉👏

04/16/2026

We talk a lot about strategy, branding, and templates… but what really matters is what happens after the project ends.

We recently checked in with Hillside Public Library a few months after wrapping up their brand refresh, and the results honestly made our day. Stronger materials, more consistency—and maybe most importantly, a real boost in staff confidence and morale.

I was especially touched by these words from the Director: "What has been especially meaningful is the impact on staff morale. Instead of feeling limited by brand standards, staff feel more confident and creative because they now have a clear roadmap ... and we’ve already seen stronger public response to our updated materials."

This is the part of the work we care about most.

Read more about their experience here: https://cordeliaandersonconsulting.com/a-check-in-with-hillside-public-library/
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04/16/2026

I'm a big fan of PC Sweeney and his work for EveryLibrary - don't miss this free webinar on Advocacy hosted by Consultants for Libraries!!!

04/16/2026

Looking forward to this webinar for the Oklahoma Department of Libraries tomorrow!

I’m excited to be presenting an upcoming webinar with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries!

Marketing That Matters: Smart Strategies for Today’s Libraries
📅 Friday, April 17, 2026
⏰ 1:00–2:30 PM (Central Time)

We’ll talk about practical, real-world marketing strategies libraries can actually use—what’s working right now, how to connect with your community, and how to make your efforts more intentional (and effective).

If you’ve been feeling like marketing is one more thing on your plate… this session is for you.

Registration is required, visit my website to learn more! https://cordeliaandersonconsulting.com/schedule/

04/12/2026

Never go against a library cat
🐈 📚 🐈‍⬛