The Library will be closed on Thursday, November 28 & Friday, November 29, 2024, in observance of Thanksgiving.

DIY Memory Lab

Located in the Octavia Lab on LL2 at Central Library, the DIY Memory Lab contains archival grade equipment for digitizing personal archival collections. The DIY Digital Memory Lab can digitize multiple formats of material, including:

  • Documents
  • Photos, slides, negatives
  • Super 8 and 8mm film (picture only, no audio)
  • Compact audio cassette
  • CD and DVD
  • DV and MiniDV (SP)
  • 3.5” inch floppy disks
  • Minidisc
  • Reel to reel audio tape
  • VHS (SP and EP; NTSC)
  • Vinyl record (LP and 45)

DIY Memory Lab, Preserving Your Digital Memories

To use the DIY Memory Lab, patrons must have a Los Angeles Public Library card in good standing, attend an an online orientation, read and agree to Octavia Lab policies, sign a release form, and make a reservation. Call the Octavia Lab 213-228-7150 to make reservations. Due to quality control patrons are allowed to use one piece of equipment per appointment.

Some staff assistance is available on Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Fridays 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.


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Our Workflows


Contact the Octavia Lab to make reservations.

Phone: 213-228-7150

Contact Memory Lab

E-mail: memorylab@lapl.org

The DIY Memory Lab is a project done in association with Washington, D.C. Public Library and is funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Equipment has been generously donated by KJLA Studios, KCET, and Russell Pyle.



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