Memory Lab: Preserve Your Personal Memories
The Memory Lab is a DIY space where you can digitize, edit, and save your personal media. Bring in your old formats and turn them into digital files you can keep and share.
You can digitize:
- Home movies (VHS, Hi8, MiniDV)
- Photographic prints, slides, and negatives
- Audio cassette tapes
We provide the equipment and basic help. You follow our step‑by‑step guides and control the process
📅 Make an Appointment
Please schedule a time before using the Memory Lab:
- Email: localhistory@chathamlib.org
- Phone: 217-483-2713
- Online: Schedule here
You may reserve more than one station during your appointment.
⏱ How Long Does Digitizing Take?
- Video & Audio Tapes — Digitizes in real time.
- Example: A 2‑hour VHS tape takes 2 hours to transfer to Flash Drive.
- Reel‑to‑Reel Film — Each 2‑minute reel takes about 30 minutes.
- Photos & Slides — Timing depends on resolution. High‑resolution scans (especially slides/negatives) may take several minutes per image.
📼 What Can I Transfer?
You may digitize personally created materials only. No commercial or copyrighted content.
Supported formats:
- VHS
- Hi8
- MiniDV
- Audio cassettes
- Photographs & documents (up to 11×17")
- 35mm slides
- 35mm negatives
- Files from SD memory cards
🛠 Equipment Available
- Sony Handycam Hi8 Video Camera Recorder
- SD card reader
- Epson FotoFast scanner
- VHS player
- DVD player
- VHS‑C converter
- Tape‑to‑Digital converter & player
- Overhead scanner (books & large formats up to 11×17")
❓ Have Questions?
Contact the Adult Services Department:
📧 localhistory@chathamlib.org 📞 217-483-2713