Rebrand of Libraries for Barnet Council

Just AJD and Good Impressions complete work on Barnet Council’s ‘Discover Your Library’ programme

Just AJD, a large-format printing firm based in Wimborne, Dorset, and London-based graphic design studio Good Impressions have completed the final phase of a multi-site contract to rebrand 12 of Barnet Council’s 14 libraries under its Discover Your Library programme.

In 2022, Barnet Council commissioned new designs and branding to be applied across 12 of its libraries, with the goal of making them more welcoming and accessible to all users, including people with disabilities.

Ahead of installing the new signage, Just AJD and Good Impressions carried out individual risk assessments at each of the library sites. Installation of the new exterior signage began in late 2022 and was completed within three weeks.

Just AJD manufactured twelve 1.5m x 1m DiBond signs, which were fixed either directly to library brickwork or mounted on poles in front of the buildings.

Funding for another refurbishment programme was secured through a £125,000 grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) enabling Barnet Libraries to extend and trial internal signage at Chipping Barnet Library.

The two-storey library reopened after a short closure in October 2023 as a Dementia Friendly venue. Quiet spaces with comfortable seating were created over both floors, and the library's first floor was transformed with a new modernised layout, creating a fresh, exciting and more inclusive space.

To help visitors navigate the building, Good Impressions developed a clear and inclusive wayfinding system using graphic icons and accessible text. Sensory maps were created to help those with Sensory processing difficulties navigate the building independently. For the Chipping Barnet library, Just AJD printed over 40 different pieces of artwork onto Foamex board, featuring a dark background with contrasting white text and icons.

Andrew Ballington-James, founder and Managing Director of Just AJD, said: “This has been a fascinating print and installation project. It’s great to work on a programme that supports libraries, which are such a vital local resource. With the reopening of Chipping Barnet Library, we’re proud to have completed this phase of the project.”

Jerry Holt, Studio Manager at Good Impressions, added: “We’ve been delighted by the positive response to our designs and artwork in Barnet. The result is a space that helps people with dementia more easily find their way around the library. We have recently been commissioned to roll out the signage to another two Barnet libraries at the end of this year as part of other refurbishments.”

In September, Just AJD announced an ambitious rebrand and expansion drive and will add a new HP Latex R530 flatbed printer to its Wimborne facility in 2026 to boost printing capacity and efficiency.