By Kim J.

It has been more than 30 years since I’ve been able to view my family’s old home movies. They have been trapped on old camcorder tapes and shuffled from box to bin, from attic to basement. Which is why when I saw the Glenwood Branch +Makerspace digital memory station, I knew what my first project was going to be. I dug out one of many old boxes of VHS tapes and got to work – my memory is fickle, and it took seeing these videos to remember details from my childhood. For instance, I’d forgotten that my brother used to cart me around on the back of his tricycle – with my Cabbage Patch doll in tow, of course!

The digital memory station features the ability to preserve memories from old media. Using the VHS player and accompanying cassette adapter, home movies can be recorded using the station’s computer. One thing to keep in mind is that this can be a lengthy process. Converting videos to a digital file takes at least as long as the video itself… plus processing time. However, being able to see and share these memories again has been priceless. The only supplies required are the video, a storage device to take the digital files home, and time. A staff member is always stationed in the Makerspace who you can ask for help getting the project started.

If you want more information, watch the video that explains the VHS conversion process, step-by-step. Find it here: https://bit.ly/Glenwood-VHS

The other big draw at the memory station is the fast photo scanner. This little device can scan photos at a speed of up to 1 per second. In addition, it can be set up to scan both sides of each picture simultaneously. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would need that feature – but looking back through my scans, I found that it had captured the writing on the back of each of my photographs. My mom meticulously recorded details that have been lost to my memory. She had very distinct handwriting… and since she passed nine years ago, each of these images is a treasure to me.

I was worried about my grandmother’s wedding picture being bent since it is already a little worn around the edges. For items like Polaroids or fragile photos, there is a flatbed scanner right next to the fast photo scanner. This can auto-detect as many images as will fit on the glass – so at least each one doesn’t have to be scanned individually.

Step-by-step instructions on how to use the photo scanners can be found here: https://bit.ly/Glenwood-Photos

There is no charge to use any of the equipment at the digital memory station – but if a USB or CD is needed to store the digital files, they are available to purchase at the customer service desk. There is no appointment system – the digital memory station is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To check and see if it is available, call the Glenwood Branch at 410.313.5577.

Kimberly J is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the HCLS Glenwood Branch. She enjoys reading, photography, creating, crafting, and baking.