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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
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.
This event is full

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.
This event is full

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
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.
This event is full

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.

Wed, Aug 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in the conversation! Please register.

Wed, Aug 13, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Misty De la Cruz of First Financial Bank will teach how to spot the signs of identity theft, how to protect yourself, and what to do if... more
Misty De la Cruz of First Financial Bank will teach how to spot the signs of identity theft, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think your identity has been compromised.

Wed, Aug 13, 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 13, 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! 

Wed, Aug 13, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join the Page Turners Book Discussion as we discuss The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass. Books are available at the circulation... more
Join the Page Turners Book Discussion as we discuss The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass. Books are available at the circulation desk. Please register.

Wed, Aug 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
This month we will be coloring our own puzzles! Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees.

Wed, Aug 13, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new... more
Like to draw? Like comics and cartoons? Then this is the program for you! Join us on the second Wednesday of every month to learn new drawing techniques and make friends with your fellow cartoonists!

Thu, Aug 14, 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 14, 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

Cancelled
Thu, Aug 14, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Don't have the space at home for your hobby? Bring it to our meeting room and have a whole rectangular table to work on (more if less... more
Don't have the space at home for your hobby? Bring it to our meeting room and have a whole rectangular table to work on (more if less people attend). This will be every 2nd Thursday for 2 hours.

Thu, Aug 14, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
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 14, 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 14, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Teens are invited to play in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with one of our librarians as game master!
This event is full

Thu, Aug 14, 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 14, 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 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides.... more
Stop in anytime during these sessions to work on a provided puzzle, crossword, word search or coloring sheet. All supplies provides. Coffee, tea, and water will be available.

Cancelled
Fri, Aug 15, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
For seasoned players and beginners. Please bring your own set as on-site supplies are limited. Open play every third Friday.

Sat, Aug 16, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own... more
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Aug 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Back by popular demand! Create unique and colorful decor by tying simple knots with yarn. All materials will be supplied. Space is... more
Back by popular demand! Create unique and colorful decor by tying simple knots with yarn. All materials will be supplied. Space is limited. All attendees must be 12 or older. Register online.

Sat, Aug 16, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Please join us for some board and card games. We'll also have a Nintendo Switch set up. Feel free to bring your own games too!

Mon, Aug 18, 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 18, 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 18, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Dyer-Schererville
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning... more
The Library is YOUR library. Help your local library create programs and initiatives that help and interest you, all while earning volunteer hours!

Mon, Aug 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Come make a tissue paper kite. All ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs. Registration is required.

Cancelled
Mon, Aug 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago
Join us at the library to design your own canvas tote bag. You can create your own design or examples will be provided. Supplies are... more
Join us at the library to design your own canvas tote bag. You can create your own design or examples will be provided. Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Aug 18, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Make a watercolor painting. Registration is required. All Ability programs are geared towards adults with special needs.