The Conyers-Rockdale Library recently unveiled a new look with a new logo to replace the generic uni-reader logo that has been used by the institution for decades.

The new logo, designed by Conyers resident George Abello, captializes on the modern, abstract sculpture existing on the library grounds called "The Blade."

After the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library building expansion and renovation, completed in 2010, library officials felt that a new logo was needed to highlight the library system’s modern spirit and reflect back to its tranquil, park-like style.  Some concepts and designs were explored, but nothing seemed quite right until the unexpected happened.  

When George Abello of Conyers, a professional graphic designer, heard that a new logo was being sought, he studied the library building and grounds, noting especially the unique, abstract sculpture located in back of the library known as “The Blade.”   

In 1972, the Conyers Civic League donated the “The Blade” as a gift to the library and the community. The Civic League founded the first public library in 1919 and named it after their president of many years, Mrs. Nancy Graham Guinn.  In 1971, the group commissioned a then-unknown sculptor named James Clover to create a sculpture for the library. The result was “The Blade,” which was installed at the front of the library on Pine Street in 1972 and traveled with the library when it relocated to its current Green street address in 1990. The plaque at its base reads, “In honor of all members of the Conyers Civic League, past present and future.” 

As a long-time resident of Conyers, Abello is very familiar with the library.

“The first time I saw ‘The Blade,’ I had no idea of its conception and history,” he said. “To be honest, my impression was how odd it looked with both the library’s exterior and interior at that time.  But that was before the big renovation.  Now, with the newly re-designed interior and enhanced exterior, ‘The Blade’ appears to belong to its surroundings.  Designing the new logo concept was a no-brainer. The icon was already there – for the future.”

 Abello’s proposed design was reviewed by the Conyers-Rockdale Library Board of Trustees in July 2012. Approval was unanimous, and Abello graciously donated the design as a gift to the library. Cecelia Costley, a member of both the Library Board of Trustees and of the Conyers Civic League,  said, “The new logo sends a perfect message about the library, suggesting its history and traditions, but also symbolizing the bold changes being made to meet the public’s needs and challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Currently, the new logo can be seen on the library website and on its Facebook page. As new supplies are ordered, it will be phased in and added to stationery, library cards, and other business or promotion-related items.