Did you know that you can digitize your memories at the library? Scan old photos, film and slides or transfer a VHS home movie to digital format using equipment available in our Digital Media Labs. Use the library’s resources to see what’s in that inherited collection of slides, re-watch your decades-old wedding tape, repair a long-lost photograph and much more! 

WHY DIGITIZE?

Digitizing old photos, film, slides and footage allows you to create a digital copy that can be edited and restored without altering the original. Though proper storage can help prevent damage, older media is susceptible to deterioration over time. Creating a digital copy enables you to preserve a memory in the event that something happens to the original. Additionally, digitization allows you to share memories quickly and easily should you wish to email or post them to web or social media platforms.

WHERE CAN I DIGITIZE?

Visit any of our Digital Media Lab //henricolibrary.org/locations to use advanced scanners and VHS transfer equipment:

WHAT’S AVAILABLE?

Those wishing to edit their scanned images can use software such as Adobe Photoshop, a professional editing program that provides users with a wide range of image manipulation tools. It is often used in photo restoration to color correct, remove stains and dust, and mend rips and tears. Adobe Photoshop is available for use at all Digital Media Lab //henricolibrary.org/locations.

Those wishing to edit their transferred film can use software such as Adobe Premiere and Windows Video Editor.  Adobe Premiere is a professional editing program that provides users with a wide range of video and audio manipulation tools and effects and is available for use at all Digital Media Lab //henricolibrary.org/locations. Windows Video Editor is an introductory program that offers users basics tools for video and audio editing and is available on all library computers.

HOW TO USE

RECOMMENDED TITLES

For further reading on photo digitization and restoration, check out the following titles from our collection:

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Want to learn more about our digitization resources or improve your photo editing skills? Check out our upcoming classes for April! Registration is required and opens one month in advance.

Adobe Photoshop Basics

This class will provide an overview of the tools and concepts that are fundamental in Adobe® Photoshop®.

Digitize Your Photos & Home Movies

Learn how to preserve old photos, slides, 35mm film, and VHS tapes by digitizing them in the Library's Digital Media Lab. We'll provide a demonstration on how to use the scanner, VHS player, and accompanying software so that you are ready to visit the Digital Media Lab and start digitizing on your own!