Randy Coleman Memory Lab

Memory Lab

The San Rafael Public Library provides the Memory Lab as a valuable resource to assist patrons in creating digital copies of cherished photographs, slides, videos, documents, and negatives. The Memory Lab is situated at the Downtown branch at 1100 E Street and is accessible to the public by appointment.

This initiative has been generously funded through a donation in honor of Randy Coleman, a former resident of San Rafael and esteemed library patron.

New users are required to attend a brief 15-20 minute orientation session to become acquainted with the equipment after which they can stay for the remaining 4 hours to work on their project.
Returning users will need to make an appointment for each session for up to 4 hours.

Please request an appointment here. Please allow 48-72 hours for a staff member to reach out to you.

Available equipment includes:

• Video conversion software for transferring VHS tapes and personal DVDs to digital format
• Epson Expression 12000XL flatbed scanner for high-resolution scanning of photographs, slides, and film negatives
• Book/document scanner for converting bound materials or loose papers into digital files
• 8mm and Super 8 film converter for transferring home movies to digital format
• Cassette tape converter for converting audio cassette recordings into MP3 files

Please note: Patrons must bring their own USB flash drive, SD card, or external hard drive to save digital files. The library does not provide storage devices. Or send your files to the cloud. VHS or DVD transfers require a 16 GB flash drive, not 8 GB.