How Thoughtful Print Brings Public Libraries to Life

Public libraries have always been more than a place to check out books. They’re community hubs and learning centers, creative and safe spaces for people to gather of all ages. 

From early literacy programs and teen activities to job search support, technology access, and community events, public libraries quietly do a lot, often with limited budgets and small teams.

That’s why the physical space of a library matters so much.

When a library feels welcoming, well-organized, and visually engaging, it invites people in. It helps patrons understand what’s available to them. And it makes programs, resources, and services easier to discover and participate in.

At Presentation Systems, Inc. (PSI), we’ve seen how the right print tools help public libraries do all of that more effectively, creatively, and affordably.

Why Public Libraries Matter More Than Ever

Public libraries remain some of the most trusted institutions in their communities. According to the American Library Association, libraries serve as access points for information, technology, education, and civic engagement, often filling gaps that no other community resource can.

For many people, the library is:

• A first stop for early learning

• A safe after-school space

• A place to learn new skills or search for jobs

• A community connection point

With that responsibility comes a challenge:

How do you communicate everything your library offers—clearly, beautifully, and accessibly—without stretching an already tight budget?

PSI’s Longstanding Partnership with Libraries

Supporting libraries has long been part of PSI’s work. Since its inception, PSI has partnered extensively with public school librarians and media specialists. In 2018, that work expanded to include public libraries, beginning in New Jersey, later extending into Connecticut and then to libraries across the country.

In 2023, PSI deepened its commitment through a partnership with the Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC), enabling discounted pricing on both the ecolor+ poster printer and supplies for all CLC members. This partnership has helped more public libraries bring professional, in-house printing capabilities into their spaces while staying within budget.

That history matters. PSI’s approach to library printing is shaped by real conversations with librarians and an understanding of the day-to-day realities of public library work.

The Power of a Well-Designed Library Space

Walk into a thoughtfully designed library, and you feel it immediately.

Clear signage helps you navigate.Visual displays draw attention to programs you didn’t know existed.Posters and banners make events feel important.Children’s areas feel playful and inviting.

Visual communication plays a key role in how patrons experience a library. Research on learning and public spaces consistently shows that clear, engaging visuals help people feel more comfortable, more confident, and more connected to shared spaces.

In public libraries, signage and displays aren’t extras. They’re essential tools for access and engagement.

Doing More with Less: A Reality for Public Libraries

Most public libraries operate with tight budgets. Outsourcing printing for posters, banners, and signage can be expensive, slow, and inflexible, especially when programming changes frequently or new events are added.

This is where in-house printing becomes a game-changer.

With an ecolor+ poster printer, libraries can create professional-quality visuals on demand, without waiting weeks or paying outsourced print costs. Printing in-house allows libraries to:

• Refresh displays often

• Customize visuals for different audiences

• Respond quickly to changing schedules

• Reduce waste and overspending

Printing banners, wall murals, posters, and decals at a fraction of the cost of outsourced printing saves public libraries money year after year, while expanding what they’re able to offer.

Transforming Library Spaces with Creative Media

Public libraries are using PSI’s ecolor+ poster printers to refresh and enhance their spaces with a wide variety of media types designed for flexibility and creativity.

One standout favorite among library staff? Charlie Adhesive.

Charlie Adhesive sticks to windows, floors, doors, walls, bookshelves, and lawn signs, making it easy to turn drab or underused spaces into engaging, reader-friendly environments. Because it’s removable and repositionable, libraries can update displays often without damaging surfaces or committing to permanent changes.

From window graphics that promote upcoming programs to directional floor decals and shelf signage, this unique media allows libraries to adapt their spaces throughout the year while keeping them visually fresh and inviting.

Promoting Programs and Increasing Attendance

Clear, eye-catching promotion makes a difference. Public libraries are using their ecolor+ poster printers to advertise events and increase attendance by printing:

• Lawn signs

• Event calendars

• Large-format event posters with QR codes for easy registration

• Directional decals and room signage

When information is visible and easy to understand, patrons are more likely to engage, and staff spend less time answering repetitive questions.

Expanding Services for Patrons

Many public libraries are also using the ecolor+ poster printer to offer exciting new patron services, including:

• Scan-to-print options

• USB flash drive printing

• Printing support for local Chambers of Commerce or municipal partners

Some libraries have explored creative fundraising or cost-recovery ideas, such as:

• Event-based poster printing

• Decal sales

• Signed photo prints with visiting authors

These services help libraries extend their reach, support their budgets, and strengthen community partnerships.

A True Partnership, Not Just a Printer

PSI’s support doesn’t stop with the printer itself. A dedicated graphic designer creates new design templates every month, and PSI actively welcomes suggestions and project ideas from library partners.

Whether a library needs help with a new display, a special event, or a unique project, PSI’s team is always ready to collaborate, ensuring libraries feel supported long after installation.

Public libraries play an essential role in their communities, and the spaces they create matter.

With the right tools, libraries can continue to be welcoming, dynamic places where learning, creativity, and connection thrive, without compromising budget or flexibility.

And sometimes, that transformation starts with something as simple and powerful as a well-placed poster.