Cambridge libraries ditch the ‘Idea Exchange’ moniker and undergo rebrand

The Cambridge Thought Change is formally rebranded because the Cambridge Public Library (CPL) to higher inform the general public of what it’s they do. 

In conferences all through the final 12 months, the board of administrators for the Cambridge library has famous that the identify “Thought Change” has created obstacles and presumably prevented residents from utilizing their providers. 
 
“As I returned to the world and commenced my new function with Thought Change, I spent a lot of my time constructing relationships with group members, studying about their reference to our group,” stated Chrissy Hodgins, CEO of the Cambridge Public Library, in a press launch.

“Throughout these conversations and all through our strategic plan course of, I started to note that folks have been much less sure about what the general public library was about and it turned clear that returning to a reputation that included “public library” was the fitting alternative for our group.”
 
In response to a press launch, throughout the strategic planning course of in 2023, employees and the general public repeatedly recognized that the Thought Change identify created obstacles to entry for residents and people new to Cambridge.

Performing on this suggestions, the board members unanimously voted to alter the identify. Now the Cambridge library system falls in keeping with others within the area such because the Kitchener Public Library and Waterloo Public Library. 
 
“It’s the board’s hope that this alteration will restore the readability, belief, and sense of goal of the general public library,” stated Thomas Sandor, chair of the CPL board within the launch. “And that the change will guarantee everybody is aware of precisely what the library is about and why it’s so essential to our group. Cambridge Public Library will proceed to deliver the longer term to Cambridge.”

Whereas a greenback quantity for the change is just not but recognized, communications for the library Jennifer Tupling confirmed in an e mail to CambridgeToday that the price has been included in all upcoming initiatives and budgets. 

“The rebranding, as a part of our Strategic Plan, is central to all our centered work within the coming months, which means this is not going to have an effect on service ranges or assortment supplies,” stated Tupling.

The final rebrand got here 10 years in the past when the Cambridge Libraries and Galleries moved to the Thought Change to appear extra modern.

Since 2014, Thought Change skilled enlargement of providers, info and expertise, collections, and the launch of a brand new digital library location, the Previous Submit Workplace.

“Immediately’s libraries are acknowledged as vibrant group hubs with entry to info, books and a variety of different stuff you need to borrow, cutting-edge applied sciences, superb applications for all ages, and most significantly, a protected, welcoming area for all,” stated the library on its web site.  

“Altering the identify by no means modified our legacy of bringing distinctive library service to our group. Fashionable public libraries are as modern, forward-thinking, and community-focused as we’ve got all the time been. “

The group will discover adjustments because the library completes the identify change course of and signage and supplies are rebranded. 

There is no such thing as a phrase but on a funds or estimated value for the change.

The change might be accomplished forward of the opening of its sixth location on the new Southeast Cambridge Recreation and Library Advanced, anticipated to be accomplished in 2026.