Library of Things: Save Old Photos & Family Movies as Digital Media with Project Memory

Posted on October 6, 2022 at 7:00 am

By Dana Mannino

While the pandemic caused us to pause many of our most popular library services, this year has been a joy to start bringing them back.

We are excited to announce that we have resumed Project Memory appointments! You can once again get help at the library with transferring your personal photos, home movies, and audio recordings to digital formats.

About Project Memory

Most of our Project Memory equipment must be used in the library by appointment. But if you happen to be transferring VHS to DVD or audiocassette tape to an MP3 file, you can reserve and check out the equipment to use at home. Checkout of these items are limited to in-district library card holders.

If it is your first time using Project Memory equipment, you’ll need to submit a Book-a-Librarian appointment to learn the ropes. During the appointment, you’ll get one-on-one help from library staff learning how to use the technology. Appointments for the Project Memory equipment are available at both North Spokane and Spokane Valley Libraries.

If you are already familiar with scanning and digitizing your media, you can reserve the equipment (without library staff help), using our Library of Things reservation system.

The following formats can be converted using Project Memory equipment:

Photos

• Printed photos
• 35mm slides
• 35mm film
• Medium format film (120 film)

Home Movies & Video

• 5-inch reels of 8mm and Super 8 film
• 8mm, Hi8, and digital 8 video cassettes (at Spokane Valley Library only)
• Personal VHS and VHSc (for conversion to DVD only)

Sound Recordings

• Audiocassette tapes
• CDs

Please note that the library can only help you transfer personal media, not media that is protected by copyright.

See Project Memory equipment in action at North Spokane Library! Stop by during Maker Open Hours in The Lab on Fridays from 10am–5pm.

Whether you’re preserving family memories for future generations or creating digitized gifts for family and loved ones, I hope you find some joy using our Project Memory equipment.

Happy digitizing and archiving!

Tags: archiving, digital, digitize, family history, history, home movies, Library of Things, media, photos, Project Memory