Written by: Carolyn E. at the Pacifica Libraries
If you’re of a certain age, chances are you probably have some outdated media like photos, film slides, VHS tapes or 8mm films sitting in a box in a closet. Sadly, if these physical photos, videos or films are not digitized, they could be lost forever without any way to enjoy them.
Visit Our Memory Lab
Did you know that the San Mateo County Libraries has an in-library resource called The Memory Lab that allows you to digitize physical photos, VHS videos, Super8 and 8mm films and more? Digitizing will allow you to save these precious family images, share them or repair them. Using Adobe Photoshop and Premier editing software available in our Makerspaces or Digital Media Stations, you can even make a montage for a slideshow. Claire, a librarian in Pacifica, had a remarkable experience digitizing her mom’s Super 8 films from the 1970s: “All of a sudden, my grandmother was walking down her front steps, laughing and waving at the camera. She died when I was two years old, and even though I’ve seen countless images of her, that was the first time I saw her moving. It absolutely took my breath away.”
What if you surprised your grandparents by making a digital slide show gift that could play on a TV or digital picture frame? Your family will delight in sharing these images while reminiscing and telling family stories. One of our patrons surprised his wife with a digitized version of their wedding VHS. They hadn’t seen the video in 20 years because they didn’t have the right equipment to play it. We were so happy to give them an updated copy of such an important day.
Make an Appointment
You can set up an appointment to use our Memory Lab equipment at the Atherton, Brisbane, Half Moon Bay and Millbrae libraries. We also have a Mobile Memory Lab that travels to our branches. From December 5-19, Pacifica Sharp Park Library will be hosting the Mobile Memory Lab, just in time for those last-minute holiday gifts.
Check out our Equipment Reservations to make an appointment to use the Memory Lab.
What will you digitize in our Memory Lab? Share in the comments!
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