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Libratory Logo: The Libratory is a place for exploring, creating, and connecting!

Welcome to the Libratory!

Have a box of old photos you've been meaning to scan? Interested in 3D printing? How about sound recording? You can do all of that and more at The Libratory, your place to explore, create, experiment, and digitize!

Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 5 PM, closed 1 - 2 PM for lunch

Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM, closed 1 - 2 PM for lunch

Appointments required! You can make a one-on-one appointment, use our drop-off conversion service, or send in a 3D print job any time. Just email lab@lcplin.org to get started.

Our Equipment:

BambuLab X1-Carbon and Dremel 3D45 3D Printer: A filament printer that processes .stl, .obj, and .thing files into three dimensional objects.
3D Printing Resources
3D Printing at LCPL FAQ
3D Printing Policy

Elgato Video Capture: Convert VHS, Betamax, and camcorder tapes into digital files
Quick Guide to Video Conversion

Epson FastFoto FF-640: Convert your physical photos into digital files! Scanning multiple photos at once is quick and easy.
Quick Guide to FastFoto FF-640
Video Tutorial: Preparing for Your Appointment & Using the Scanner and Software

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation Audio Interface: available on request

Perfection V800: A flatbad scanner designed to handle 35mm film strips, 35mm slides, photos, and more.
Quick Guide to Perfection V800
Video Tutorial: Using EPSON Perfection V800 & EPSON Scan

Super USB Cassette Capture and Audio-Technica LP120XBT-USB Turntable: Audio cassette and vinyl record players that can be used to convert your recordings into digital sound files. Quick Guide to Audio Cassette and LP Conversion

The interior of the sound booth, with sound board, mic, and laptop open showing mixing softwareWhisperRoom: A sound booth for recording podcasts, music, family stories, and other audio. Bring your own equipment or use ours! 1 to 2 hour appointments available. Booth capacity: 2. Our equipment includes:

  • MacBook Pro with Garageband, Logic Pro, and Audacity
  • 2 MXL BCD-1 Dynamic Mics
  • RODECaster Pro audio interface and mixer
  • Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd generation audio interface
  • 2 sets Audio-Technica ATH-M50 (with disposable headphone covers)

Wolverine MovieMaker and Wolverine MovieMaker Pro: Convert 8mm and Super 8 film reels into digital files. Check out our “8mm & Super 8 Film Conversion Times” chart to plan your appointment.
Quick Guide to MovieMaker

We'll also help you learn to archive and maintain your new digital collection.

Libratory FAQ

Where is the Libratory?Our scanning station - scan photos, documents or slides!

The Libratory is located in Merrillville Branch just down the hall from the Book Sale Room.

Our address is 1919 W. 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410. You can call us at 219-769-3541 ext 354, or e-mail lab@lcplin.org to get in touch with us.

When is the Libratory open?

Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 5 PM 

Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM

You can make a one-on-one appointment, use our drop-off conversion service, or send in a 3D print job any time.

Just email lab@lcplin.org to get started.

Who can use the Libratory?

Only LCPL patrons with Full Access Cards or a Library Subscription Card in good standing are able to use the Libratory. Patrons under 18 require parent/guardian permission, and patrons 14 and under require parent/guardian supervision.

How much does it cost?

3D printing costs $0.10/gram, but there is no cost to use any other Libratory equipment or software.

You can bring your own jump drive to store your work, or jump drives with 8 GB of memory are available for purchase either at the Circulation Service Desk or in the Libratory for $8.00 each.

For film and audio conversions, DVDs and CDs are available for purchase for $1 each. Blu-Ray disks are available for $2 each.

Will someone show me how to use the equipment and software?

We have prepared easy-to-follow quick-start guides for our equipment! Knowledgable staff will be on hand to answer any questions you have after following the guide. We're also happy to help you find books or online tutorials for anything else you're interested in learning.

More into independent study? LCPL full access cardholders have access to LinkedInLearning, an online learning company that helps anyone learn business, software, technology, and creative skills! Here are a few courses we suggest for learning about the basics.

Libratory Tutorials Playlist: 

Upcoming Events
Fri, Dec 08, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Fri, Dec 08, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Let's get festive & create a DIY Winter Luminary to take home! Registration required! Program is for adults 18 and over.

Fri, Dec 08, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Join us as we speed solve Rubik's Cube puzzles. All skill levels are welcome. Rubik's Cubes are supplied.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Decorate a small wreath and make a set of four holiday cards. All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is required.
This event is full

Rescheduled
Sat, Dec 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
New date Saturday, December 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance... more
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue. Runtime 125 minutes.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks... more
Kids ages 6 months through 3 years old, and their caregivers, will enjoy interacting at various block play stations. Special blocks for older kids will also be available on high tables.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens, ages 12 to 18, will be instructed in painting on canvas with acrylic paint. Registration is required: seats are limited for this... more
Teens, ages 12 to 18, will be instructed in painting on canvas with acrylic paint. Registration is required: seats are limited for this small class.

Sat, Dec 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
In this program, Mrs. Claus will read stories to preschool-age children and help them make a festive craft!

Sat, Dec 09, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Long term residents of New Chicago & Lake Station will be invited to share their personal recollections of living in the area. The... more
Long term residents of New Chicago & Lake Station will be invited to share their personal recollections of living in the area. The public is invited to attend and participate.

Sat, Dec 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Families are invited to play Holiday Bingo with us! Prizes for all ages are available. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.... more
Families are invited to play Holiday Bingo with us! Prizes for all ages are available. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Registration is required for all attendees. Registration closes Dec. 8.
This event is full

Sat, Dec 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance... more
Join us for a movie! A man trying to rise in his company, lets executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue. Runtime 125 minutes.

Mon, Dec 11, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist... more
The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us for an international film. Adults only. Bulgarian with English subtitles. 100 Minutes. Registration required.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5. The craft... more
This is a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-5. The craft will be done in house. Please plan accordingly.

Mon, Dec 11, 1:00pm - 1:40pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees... more
Join us for a storytime for kids 4-5 years old, featuring stories, music and craft, that help develop early literacy skills. Attendees must register.

Mon, Dec 11, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) are invited to free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project.

Mon, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel... more
This is a storytime program for preschoolers and their families. Enjoy an evening storytime with books, finger plays, and music. Feel free to wear pajamas!

Mon, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room
Join us as we spin yarn using a drop spindle and wool roving. Please register!

Mon, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In December we're reading Truly Devious by Maureen... more
Teens let's spill about books! Each month we'll read and talk about a different book. In December we're reading Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. Pick up @ Munster Branch.

Mon, Dec 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Create some ornaments using pipe cleaners, pom-poms, wrapping paper, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Tue, Dec 12, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
This is a 30 minute program for children, ages 4-6, and their caregiver(s). We will read books, sing songs, and take home a craft!

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Preschool-age children are invited to a 45 - 60 minute storytime session designed to foster pre-reading skills. Join us for books,... more
Preschool-age children are invited to a 45 - 60 minute storytime session designed to foster pre-reading skills. Join us for books, music, and an in-person craft!

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime children 2 & 3 years of age, and their caregivers, are invited to a toddler storytime featuring age appropriate... more
For this storytime children 2 & 3 years of age, and their caregivers, are invited to a toddler storytime featuring age appropriate stories, fingerplays, and songs that teach early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dyer-Schererville - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, and music that teach early... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, and music that teach early literacy skills. Includes in-house craft. Attendees must register.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:15am
Munster - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music that teach early literacy... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music that teach early literacy skills. In person craft time will follow the storytime.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to promote early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Large Meeting Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Dec 12, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes,... more
This is a storytime program for babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, and movement designed to help... more
Babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Homeschool teens get together for fun activities. Art, crafts, STEM, games - each month we'll do something different. In December we'll... more
Homeschool teens get together for fun activities. Art, crafts, STEM, games - each month we'll do something different. In December we'll make salt dough ornaments! Please Register.

Tue, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Munster - Children's Program Room
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading skills. This... more
Join us for a storytime program featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and an in person craft that teach pre-reading skills. This program is for kids 4 to 6 years of age and their caregivers.

Tue, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join our Circle of Readers as they discuss Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager.

Tue, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Board Room
The Friends of LCPL will host their bi-monthly meeting.

Tue, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us and create a festive holiday or winter design for hanging. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs.... more
Join us and create a festive holiday or winter design for hanging. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration required.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
We are proud to be hosting a support, education, & social space for LGBTQ+ teens & their allies. Teens (12-18) are welcome.

Wed, Dec 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Babies, up to 23 months, and their families are invited to a 30-minute lap-sit program of rhymes, songs, knee bounces, and other... more
Babies, up to 23 months, and their families are invited to a 30-minute lap-sit program of rhymes, songs, knee bounces, and other activities designed to foster early child development.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 13, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Children's Department
Join your fellow caregivers after toddler and baby storytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not... more
Join your fellow caregivers after toddler and baby storytime for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not required.

Wed, Dec 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Wed, Dec 13, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cedar Lake - Meeting Room A
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and... more
Homeschool children are invited to attend a program exploring a STEAM topic each session. The only requirement is imagination and registration!

Wed, Dec 13, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music, and a take home craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.

Wed, Dec 13, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! We provide the games...you bring your friends... more
Come hang out at the library and play the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii and board games! We provide the games...you bring your friends to join in on the fun! Ages 12-18.

Wed, Dec 13, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Cedar Lake Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Wed, Dec 13, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join the Page Turners as we discuss "The Secret, Book & Scone Society" by Ellery Adams. Books will be available at the St. John Branch... more
Join the Page Turners as we discuss "The Secret, Book & Scone Society" by Ellery Adams. Books will be available at the St. John Branch circulation desk.

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room D
Learn to paint miniatures for your favorite RPG or tabletop wargame! Bring your brushes if you have them. Basic materials and a... more
Learn to paint miniatures for your favorite RPG or tabletop wargame! Bring your brushes if you have them. Basic materials and a 3D-printed miniature will be provided.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens, ages 12 to 18, are welcome to bring their art or writing projects to work on and share with other teens. Supplies for making... more
Teens, ages 12 to 18, are welcome to bring their art or writing projects to work on and share with other teens. Supplies for making crafts will be provided. Please register.

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
This month we will be decorating mugs for Christmas. Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
New Chicago Parks and the 219 Project will present a play reading. All are welcome!

Wed, Dec 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville Library - Children's Department
All children and their families are invited to come and read to certified therapy dogs.

Thu, Dec 14, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Thu, Dec 14, 10:30am - 12:00pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's classic film A Christmas Carol directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Runtime: 1hr 26mins. Light refreshments will be... more
Join us for this month's classic film A Christmas Carol directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Runtime: 1hr 26mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Thu, Dec 14, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Paper crafter Corie Kaz will be hosting a series of classes on how to make various paper crafts. This class costs $10.00 to attend and... more
Paper crafter Corie Kaz will be hosting a series of classes on how to make various paper crafts. This class costs $10.00 to attend and includes most necessary materials. Please bring your own glue.

Thu, Dec 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Dec 14, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room,Programming Room
Come on down to the library to play games on the Switch! We have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and more! Must... more
Come on down to the library to play games on the Switch! We have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and more! Must register! Ages 11-17. If you have your own joycons, bring them!

Thu, Dec 14, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
We will be transforming tissue boxes into mini holiday houses with construction paper, fabric, and other supplies on hand. Participants... more
We will be transforming tissue boxes into mini holiday houses with construction paper, fabric, and other supplies on hand. Participants will need to bring their own tissue box.

Thu, Dec 14, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come enjoy some hot chocolate, pine cone crafting and some holiday cheer! Special guest award-winning children's book author Kathleen... more
Come enjoy some hot chocolate, pine cone crafting and some holiday cheer! Special guest award-winning children's book author Kathleen Doherty will read her book!
This event is full

Sat, Dec 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Interested in any of the needle arts including knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us each month for an opportunity to chat... more
Interested in any of the needle arts including knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us each month for an opportunity to chat and create. Bring your own projects.

Sat, Dec 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
DS: Children's Area - Children's Area
Children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.

Sat, Dec 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of... more
Bring your craft projects from home and join us to chat with fellow crafters while working on your project without the interruptions of home. All are welcome.