Pentagram School Library Initiative
Design for a good cause! Rafael Esquer (check the ‘Dimensional’ section to view his contribution) over 3 years ago received an email from Michael Bierut inviting him to be part of the School Library Initiative by designing a mural.
Michael said “There is a modest budget and a guaranteed emotional return on investment.”
Totally awesome murals! Must see!











When I hear the words ”mural” and ‘’school” I get scared. So seeing what can be created with true vision, good art direction and enthusiasm was not only a relief but a joy and an inspiration. Congratulations to all involved.
Another gentle reminder of what we as designers can give back to the community. Just watching all the murals made me want to go to my kids school tomorrow and propose a project.
This is a beautiful and heartfelt project and by the way Rafael’s mural is one of my favorites, along with Stefan Sagmeister and Maira Kalman.
When Michael Bierut and Pentagram come calling to see if you want to contribute to a project, I think just about any designer would jump at the opportunity. When you mix in the fact that it’s for a school and promotes social awareness for education, then it’s a win-win-win (budget or no).
The work contributed by these designers is spectacular. I love the diversity of style and materials used. The latest round of contributors in this nine year long project reads like a who’s who of modern design. I hope they setup a design tour of all the libraries once the project is completed.
I would love to attend something like that.
Fantastic design for a noble cause. Pentagram consistently defies expectations. It’s not surprising to hear that when they call, most designers jump at the opportunity to collaborate. My personal favorites are Yuko Shimizu and Rafael Esquer.