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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 - 5 PM, closed 1 - 2 PM for lunch

Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM, closed 1 - 2 PM for lunch

Appointments required! 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.

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 - 5 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 8 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.

Libratory Tutorials Playlist: 

Upcoming Events
Fri, Mar 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us for a Mario Kart Tournament! Winner gets a prize. Must Register. Ages 11-17.
Registration is now closed

Mon, Apr 01, 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, Apr 01, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Purdue Extension Lake County, partnering with the Alzheimer's Association®, will offer 4 classes about the growing need for detection... more
Purdue Extension Lake County, partnering with the Alzheimer's Association®, will offer 4 classes about the growing need for detection and support of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in our community.

Mon, Apr 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Four best friends take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. However, their relaxing vacation turns into a... more
Four best friends take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. However, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure. PG-13; 107mins.

Mon, Apr 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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, Apr 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.

Mon, Apr 01, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12.... more
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.

Mon, Apr 01, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens in 6th-12th grades are invited to join the Chess Club. Please register and bring your own board.

Mon, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your... more
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your choosing each month. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2)... more
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2) Credit & Paying Down Debt, 3) Homeownership, and 4) Retirement.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Prague. Runtime: 60 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, music and a craft that teach early literacy skills. ... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, music and a craft that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music,... more
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Storytime attendance is... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not required.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this themed storytime children, 4 and 5 years old, will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other... more
During this themed storytime children, 4 and 5 years old, will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration Required.

Tue, Apr 02, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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.

Wed, Apr 03, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Red Cross certified CPR instructors will provide free training for Lake County residents on CPR with emphasis on CPR for babies.

Wed, Apr 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Wed, Apr 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards.

Rescheduled
Wed, Apr 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
New date Wednesday, April 17, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Merrillville
Learn the basics of crochet and begin creating a hacky sack!

Wed, Apr 03, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - 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, Apr 03, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Families can join for stories in Spanish and English!

Wed, Apr 03, 5:30pm - 7:45pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come watch the Tom Hank's starring movie about returning to Earth from the moon and learn some facts about the April 8th Solar Eclipse.

Wed, Apr 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us on 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 on the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.
This event is full

Wed, Apr 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens get volunteer hours! In April, bring a friend & get an extra volunteer hour! Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom... more
Teens get volunteer hours! In April, bring a friend & get an extra volunteer hour! Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom available. Please register.

Thu, Apr 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Thu, Apr 04, 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 in this twice-monthly club.

Thu, Apr 04, 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, Apr 04, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Author and artist Samuel Love will lead a free 6 week workshop series about developing and executing oral history projects. This... more
Author and artist Samuel Love will lead a free 6 week workshop series about developing and executing oral history projects. This workshop series is designed for ages 65+ but is open to all.

Thu, Apr 04, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique art or STEM project each month.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, Apr 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

Thu, Apr 04, 11:15am - 11:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Space themed program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music... more
Space themed program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.

Thu, Apr 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of No Plan B, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for April. Pick up a copy at the Highland... more
Join the discussion of No Plan B, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for April. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Apr 04, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on our journey: Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. New players welcome.

Thu, Apr 04, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Watch some anime episodes and discuss dramatic eclipses before seeing (a likely less dramatic) one yourself on April 8th!

Thu, Apr 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
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.

Thu, Apr 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Branch Library - Children's Area
In this program children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer. Please register all... more
In this program children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer. Please register all those planning to attend.

Sat, Apr 06, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us with your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and create! Bring your own supplies, and... more
Join us with your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and create! Bring your own supplies, and other attendees would be happy to instruct on crochet as needed.

Sat, Apr 06, 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, Apr 06, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us and create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all... more
Join us and create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Sat, Apr 06, 10:00am - 10:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Stories, fingerplays, music, related activities and a craft are all included in this storytime for children and their family members.

Sat, Apr 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
In this program participants will get the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Registration is required.

Sat, Apr 06, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating the installation of the new elevator at the Hobart Branch of Lake County Public... more
You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating the installation of the new elevator at the Hobart Branch of Lake County Public Library. Light refreshments will be served.