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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 - 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.

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 - 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, 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?

Conversion Drop Off Limits
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

Libratory Tutorials Playlist: 

Upcoming Events
Mon, Aug 04, 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.
This event is full

Mon, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 3:45pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Mon, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the... more
Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the most relatable of human experiences.

Mon, Aug 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
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, Aug 04, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the... more
Steel yourself for the rest of the week with Monday Night Adult D&D! We'll be following 5e rules and will be running the Out of the Abyss campaign. Beginners and experienced players welcome!
This event is full

Tue, Aug 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Athens. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Aug 05, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Jay Falk about The Bird Book.

Tue, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Age-appropriate, research-based safety lessons. Questions? Call Fair Haven's Jennifer Potter at (219) 961-4357. All adults attending... more
Age-appropriate, research-based safety lessons. Questions? Call Fair Haven's Jennifer Potter at (219) 961-4357. All adults attending must be accompanied by a child. All children must be with an adult.

Tue, Aug 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
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.

Rescheduled
Tue, Aug 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
New date Tuesday, August 19, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster
Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!

Cancelled
Tue, Aug 05, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville
Come in to the Library and enjoy some crafting!

Tue, Aug 05, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Wed, Aug 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Aug 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join us at the library for a fun and creative workshop focused on the art of flash fiction!

Wed, Aug 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
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.

Wed, Aug 06, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake Library - 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! 

Cancelled
Wed, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Come to the library to use our LEGO® blocks to build what you want.

Cancelled
Wed, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.

Thu, Aug 07, 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, Aug 07, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters during this program.  

Thu, Aug 07, 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, Aug 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of Better the Blood, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the... more
Join the discussion of Better the Blood, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for August. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Aug 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
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.
This event is full

Thu, Aug 07, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
New venue Merrillville - Meeting Room A
The Friends Pre-Sale is from 4-7pm. You can pay to become a Friends Member at the door. Thousands of books, dvds, and cds are available... more
The Friends Pre-Sale is from 4-7pm. You can pay to become a Friends Member at the door. Thousands of books, dvds, and cds are available at fantastic prices!

Thu, Aug 07, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this... more
Join us on a family friendly, Dungeons and Dragons, campaign for preteens. We'll be referencing Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition, for this adventure. New players are welcome.

Thu, Aug 07, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life... more
Join Coates Inc. for a free interactive series of college & career workshops designed to help high school students prepare for life after graduation. High school-aged teens (ages 14-18) are welcome.

Thu, Aug 07, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Join us for our Thursday evening group of Adult Dungeons and Dragons! In this group, we'll work our way through the Curse of Strahd module.
This event is full

Fri, Aug 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you... more
Join an open play Mahjong session; there is no instructor but other players may share tips/directions. Please bring a game set if you have one! On-hand gaming supplies are limited. Ages 18 & over.
This event is full

Fri, Aug 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
The Friends Book Sale is open to anyone interested in browsing through thousands of books, dvds, and cds-- all at fantastic prices!

Sat, Aug 09, 9:00am - 9:30am
Woodland Park - 1215 E 45th Ave
Young children and their families are invited to join us at Woodland Park for a storytime with books, songs, rhymes, and a guided tour... more
Young children and their families are invited to join us at Woodland Park for a storytime with books, songs, rhymes, and a guided tour through the on-site Story Walk. 

Sat, Aug 09, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
The Friends Book Sale is open to anyone interested in browsing through thousands of books, dvds, and cds-- all at fantastic prices!

Sat, Aug 09, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create.... more
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create. Please bring your own projects.

Sat, Aug 09, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room,Meeting Room A
Join the Highland Arts Council for an exciting experience filled with fun and engaging games during the Highland Arts Walk Workshops!

Mon, Aug 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, Aug 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
A homicide detective is called to help the family of a former murdered partner. He encounters a tangled web of family secrets in which a... more
A homicide detective is called to help the family of a former murdered partner. He encounters a tangled web of family secrets in which a killer with nothing to lose is waiting to take another life.

Mon, Aug 11, 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
The leftover books from the Friends Fall Book Sale will be available for nonprofit organizations and teachers to pick up from 3:30 - 6pm.

Mon, Aug 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville Branch - Upper Level
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, Aug 11, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Join us as we use sea glass and stones to create a piece of art you can frame. Please register; supplies are limited.

Mon, Aug 11, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play... more
Inviting teens, ages 12 - 18, to LEGO® and Board Game Night. Stop in to build your own LEGO® creation or pick a board game to play instead. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.

Tue, Aug 12, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us and bring your current painting projects/materials for an opportunity to chat and create!

Tue, Aug 12, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Merrillville
The Friends of LCPL will host their bi-monthly meeting.

Tue, Aug 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Circle of Readers will be discussing Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson.

Tue, Aug 12, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Come play Minecraft, uninterrupted, on our Raspberry Pi computers! For ages 8-18.

Tue, Aug 12, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Come and play in a game with one of our librarians as GM.

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

Tue, Aug 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Create faux stained glass designs on votive holders to create a nice fall ambiance when lit. Registration required. All Ability programs... more
Create faux stained glass designs on votive holders to create a nice fall ambiance when lit. Registration required. All Ability programs are geared to adults with special needs.