Library Banners Brighten Up the Winter Months

This winter has been a little rougher than usual with lots of unstable weather conditions and not much sunshine. Fortunately, you may be greeted by a little pop of colour on campus if you walk on the main pathway between the Roddick Gates and the Arts Building. The lampposts that line the sidewalks feature a set of very colourful banners – all of which highlight unique materials from Rare Books and Special Collections, the Visual Arts Collection and McGill University Archives.

The banners were designed by Jean-Bernard Ng Man Sun from McGill Graphic Design and installed in mid-October, just in time for Open House.

The content is playful, high contrast and includes an expression or trait that describes both the object and McGill Library.

The message? McGill Library is more than books! The library can mean different things to different people – it really is a place for all and has something for everyone. We strive to colour your world with knowledge, insight and discovery.

Scroll through the slideshow above to see the banners in action or check out the full series with information about the items below.

McGill Library lamppost banners designed by Jean-Bernard Ng Man Sun, McGill Graphic Design 

• Coup de coeur: McGill postcard: The University Girls Series, ca 1907. F. Earl Christy. McGill University Archives, PUO42016
• Daring: The Falcon by Robert Tait McKenzie, 1938, McGill Visuals Arts Collection, McGill University Library
• Cultured: Variety of publishers bindings from the turn of the 20th century. Rare Books & Special Collections, McGill University Library
• Reflective: St. Jerome from a Book of Hours, Use of Sarum, Flemish or English, c.1450, MS 98, Rare Books and Special Collections, McGill University Library
• Playful: Puss in boots. New York : McLoughlin Bros., c1896. PZ8 P426 P8 1896, Sheila R. Bourke Collection, Rare Books & Special Collections, McGill University Library
• Flamboyant: American Flamingo. John James Audubon (1785–1851). The Birds of America, London: Published by the author, 1827-38. Blacker Wood Collection, Rare Books and Special Collections, McGill University Library