The Chandler Public Library is offering a new service to help residents digitize their memories.
Librarian Sandy Tharp-Thee said the library now has what they call the Story Keeper Studio, which was funded by a grant through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and Institute of Museum and Libraries Services. The Studio has a scanner for old photographs and a device that will transfer old videos from VHS or camcorders to a flash drive.
Tharp-Thee said the inspiration to start the studio came from an old army trunk her mother kept at home of photographs. Some were so old that her mother could no longer recall who they were, but they’re part of her family.
The program is a way to make family memories more easy to share. Tharp-Thee stated that many people in Chandler and Lincoln County have stories of their families to share, and the Story Keeper Studio is a way to help.
The process is simple and the librarian said once folks have done it once, they’ll be able to come in and do it with little to no help. However, staff will be on hand to help out if needed.
The video device has plugins for various cords. All you have to do is plug in the flash drive to the device, then put the VHS tape into the VCR and press play. You can’t fastforward through the tape, so NAME suggests having plenty of time on hand to allow the VCR to play through. Once it’s done, you can press stop and the video is automatically on the drive. People can then take it home, or transfer the files to email or other formats to share.
Tharp-Thee said that those who use the program also don’t have to worry about any private information lingering. All the public computers at the library are equipped with a program that automatically wipes any sensitive information.
The Studio is free to use, but users do need to bring their own flash drives and any necessary cords or hookups for the camcorder. The device has hookups for HDMI, S-Video and micro SD outside of a port of the flash drive.
The Chandler Public Library is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.