Article by Ashley Atkinson, Fairfax County Public Library
(Posted 2023 August)
Life is full of moments. From joyous ones to those that bring tears to our eyes, each of these moments plays a pivotal role in who we are today; and we want to be able to remember them, even after years have passed. With the development of different technologies, there have been many ways people capture moments for posterity. From photographs to VHS tapes to floppy disks, each different format brought new capabilities to relive memories more fully.
However, as we all know, technology has changed greatly over the years. Photographs and scrapbooks have been replaced with digital albums; vinyl records have given way to MP3s; and videos can now be stored on the internet and accessed from anywhere. What used to require multiple devices to create and consume now only requires a computer or phone. But what about the memories created before these new technologies existed?
To help people convert outdated or fragile media formats into files that can easily be stored on a phone or computer, several branches of Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) have Memory Depots. These do-it-yourself stations consist of a variety of equipment that can aid users in digitizing older materials. Whether it is photographs, documents, video cassettes, audio cassettes, vinyl albums or floppy disks, Memory Depots can transform many older formats into digital files in a matter of minutes.
Getting set up to use one of FCPL’s Memory Depots is easy. We first recommend everyone attend a Memory Depot orientation. With in-person and virtual orientation options, everyone has a chance to learn about our equipment from library staff regardless of where they live or how busy they are. Once you have attended an orientation and feel comfortable using our equipment, you can reserve a date and time to use the devices. Reservations are available in 30-minute intervals and are for one station at a time. They are also limited to one session per day and no more than two sessions per week.
Memory Depots are currently available at six FCPL branches. These include Centreville Regional Library, City of Fairfax Regional Library, George Mason Regional Library, Pohick Regional Library, Reston Regional Library and Sherwood Regional Library. Every branch with a Memory Depot offers the following equipment for use:
- Epson scanner to digitize photographs, documents, slides, and negatives
- Elgato VHS converter
- Audio cassette to MP3 converter
- Floppy disc transfer device
Our Centreville Regional Memory Depot also has a vinyl record converter that will record what is played and convert it to a digital file.
More information about FCPL Memory Depots can be found at bit.ly/fcpl-memory-depot. There you will also find virtual orientation videos, links to make reservations at the participating branches, information about the equipment and more.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).