Libre Library
Learning two languages at once can be tough on anybody, but especially for kids. Libre Library is a mobile library that travels through Texas to help children advance their literacy skills in English and Spanish. This mobile library is completely free, and provides kids a place to learn in the summer months when they are at risk of forgetting information learned in school. There are a variety of activities, and families can even check out books to keep the learning going.
Project Scope: Naming, Naming, Trademark Development, Brand Identity, Packaging, Design Research, UX, UI
Project Duration: 3 months
Tools Used: Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop
My Contributions: Research, UX/UI
Contributors: Myself, Hope Vandiver, Kylie Crissman
What is the problem?
Library attendance has been declining, continued implementation of book bans, and the ongoing funding cuts to public libraries have all caused libraries to make large cuts or to completely shut down. Low income children are paying the price for this, especially low income bilingual children. When bilingual children speak one language at home and a different one at school, these kids are at risk for literacy delays. Because they are not fully supported in either language, they end up only half knowing both languages.
Why does this matter?
We have a lot to gain from bilingualism if we can properly foster these skills in our youth. There is an abundance of cultural richness that is lost in an English-only approach, but by encouraging bilingualism, we can better enable the next generation to cement Texas’ place in the world.
Research
User Personas
Branding
Final Outcome
Takeaway
While making a product for children is fun and very different than most other projects I have done, it has proven to be a challenging one. When there are new things to consider, such as children’s age, developmental stage and how to appeal to their parents it feels like you need to balance all elements and hit a sweet spot. This project has taught me how to consider and create for very different users at once and how to prioritize and balance their needs.