Many households harbor forgotten treasures in the form of old home movies, VHS tapes, and photographs. These relics from the past are often too precious to discard but challenging to access with modern technology. Fortunately, a new resource has emerged to help preserve these memories for future generations.

Unlock the Past, Preserve the Future

Discovering a Modern Solution for Legacy Media

The San Leandro Public Library now offers a groundbreaking service through its DIY Memory Lab, located on the second floor in the History Room. This innovative space equips patrons with the tools necessary to digitize their cherished keepsakes. Whether it's old photographs, fragile slides, or outdated VHS tapes, this lab provides a user-friendly environment for preserving family history.Patrons can access step-by-step instructions and receive technical support from knowledgeable staff and volunteers. The process begins by obtaining a library card, attending an orientation session, and signing a user agreement. These steps ensure that individuals are well-prepared to make the most of their time in the lab.

What Can Be Digitized?

The Memory Lab accommodates a wide range of media formats. From delicate photo negatives to bulky VHS tapes, each item can be carefully converted into digital files. Paper-based documents, including letters and certificates, can also be scanned. Audio cassette tapes can be transformed into digital audio files, ensuring that every piece of family history is preserved for posterity.For those with a collection of photographs, the lab’s high-quality scanners guarantee crisp, clear images. Slides and other film-based media are handled with care, producing vibrant digital versions that capture the essence of the original. Each format presents unique challenges, but the lab’s equipment is designed to handle them all efficiently.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before scheduling an appointment, it's essential to gather and inspect the items you wish to digitize. Ensuring they are in good condition will streamline the process. Bring a USB storage device or external hard drive with ample space to store your newly created digital files. Alternatively, have your login details ready for an online storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive.Planning your time is crucial. Digitizing VHS tapes, for instance, requires at least as much time as the tape’s running length. A 90-minute video will take approximately 90 minutes to convert, plus additional time for setup and file transfer. Scanning photos and slides takes about two minutes per item, not including preparation and transfer times. Efficient planning ensures a smooth experience.

Equipment and User Guides

Each station in the Memory Lab is equipped with comprehensive instructions to guide users through the digitization process. These guides are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Chinese, to accommodate diverse communities. The Epson 12000XL Scanner, known for its large flatbed size, handles oversized documents with ease. The Epson FastFoto FF-680 specializes in rapid photo scanning, while the Panasonic AG-1980 VCR and TASCAM 202MKVII Cassette Deck cater to audio and video conversions.Detailed user manuals are provided both online and at the stations, ensuring that even first-time users can navigate the equipment confidently. Volunteers are on hand to assist with any questions, making the experience accessible to everyone, regardless of technical proficiency.

Scheduling Your Visit

The Memory Lab operates during specific hours to maximize availability. Appointments can be made for various days of the week, depending on the type of equipment needed. For example, Mondays from 5 PM to 7 PM are reserved for scanning sessions, while Tuesdays offer both scanning and VHS/audio cassette transfers from 1 PM to 4 PM. Flexibility is key, with multiple options throughout the week to suit different schedules.Availability may vary based on volunteer presence. If changes occur, the library promptly contacts affected patrons via the email provided during appointment booking. This system ensures that everyone can find a suitable time to visit the Memory Lab and bring their family history into the digital age.