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!
Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 8 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM; Closed first Friday of every month
First Saturday of the Month: 9 AM - 4 PM; Closed all other Saturdays
The Libratory will follow Merrillville Branch's hours for holidays.
Appointments required! You can make a one-on-one appointment, use our drop-off conversion service (material limits apply), or send in a 3D print job any time. Just email lab@lcplin.org to get started.
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
WhisperRoom: 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:
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.
Where is the Libratory?
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 - 8 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 for standard filament and $0.25 for premium filament, 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 16 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.
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.
How many items can I drop off to be digitized at a time?
| Media | Material Type | Max Amt. per Drop-Off | Est. Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video | VHS | 3 tapes | 2-3 weeks |
| VHS-C | 6 tapes | 2-3 weeks | |
| Betamax | 3 tapes | 2-3 weeks | |
| Video8 | 6 tapes | 2-3 weeks | |
| Hi8 | 6 tapes | 2-3 weeks | |
| Digital8 | 6 tapes | 2-3 weeks | |
| 8mm Film - 3" | 6 reels | 1-2 weeks | |
| 8mm Film - 5" | 4 reels | 1-2 weeks | |
| 8mm Film - 7" | 2 reels | 1-2 weeks | |
| 8mm Film - 9" | 1 reel | 1-2 weeks | |
| Super8 Film - 3" | 6 reels | 1-2 weeks | |
| Super8 Film - 5" | 4 reels | 1-2 weeks | |
| Super8 Film - 7" | 2 reels | 1-2 weeks | |
| Super8 Film - 9" | 1 reel | 1-2 weeks | |
| DVD | 2 discs | 1-2 weeks | |
| MiniDVD | 6 discs | 1-2 weeks | |
| Still Images | Photos & Film | 1 shoebox | 1-2 weeks |
| 35mm Slides | 1 carousel (140) | 1-2 weeks | |
| Audio | Cassettes | 6 tapes | 1-2 weeks |
| LP | 4 LPs | 1-2 weeks |
