The DIY Memory Lab
The DIY Memory Lab is a free self-service resource for digitizing your cherished home movies, music, photos, and documents. All you need is a library card!
The Lab includes 2 Mac workstations. You may use one or both simultaneously. Accepted formats with links to step-by-step instructions are below.
Every effort has been made to create a user-friendly experience, but you will need basic computer skills. If you have very limited experience with computers, we recommend bringing a friend or family member who can help. Staff will be available to help you get started and answer questions. After that, you'll be in control of the process. Due to limited staff help, we recommend attempting to digitize no more than 2 formats at once, especially if you are new to the lab. If you are interested in digitizing an unlisted format, please contact mpelsma@lplks.org before booking.
Digitizing Station
- VHS / S-VHS tapes
- VHS-C camcorder tapes
- Digital8 / Hi8 / Video8 camcorder tapes
- Mini DV camcorder tapes
- 8mm / Super 8mm reel to reel silent movies
- Audio cassettes
- Vinyl records
- CDs / DVDs
- 3.5" floppy disks
Scanning Station
- Photos
- Documents, books, artwork
- 35mm Slides
- 35mm, 120 (medium format) and 4x 5 film/negatives
- 126, 110 negatives
- Photo albums
We recommend bringing a USB 3.0 flash drive to store your files. 64GB drives can be purchased for $10 at our Tech Desk. Mac external drives and SD memory cards are also accepted. USB 2.0 flash drives and Windows formatted drives are not accepted.
We also offer digitization equipment for check-out. Just place a hold on an item and we'll email you when it's ready for pickup.