Oculus

The Story Behind the Warner Library Logo

The imagery for the Warner Library Logo has been taken from the center of the uncovered oculus that hovers high above the Circulation desk. An Oculus, a Latin term meaning “eye”, in architecture, is a structural window element designed to be decorative, but also serve a functional purpose of letting in natural light. Often, the small window is circular or oval in shape and is positioned at the center of a dome or cupola. One of the finest examples of this kind is found in the Pantheon, in Rome.
Our oculus is original to the 1929 design of Warner Library and is a beautiful example of Beaux Art architecture. For many years the oculus was covered by a layer of wood and a fluorescent light fixture, but during our 2007-8 restoration of the front vestibule, circulation area and Audubon Room, the 1970’s addition was removed and the original oculus window was removed, repaired and returned to its original function.
The very center of the oculus window is a simple flower perfectly fit into two concentric circles. This detail was adapted into a logo by local graphic artist Tom Schumacher who, using the architect’s rendering, designed a graphic element that could represent both the historic past and the bright future of Warner Library.