Welcome | DIY Archiving | En Español
Programs & Workshops
Join us and learn to preserve your memories for future generations. Whether they end up in an archive or your own personal collection, understanding what you have and how to protect it ensures a longer life for your materials. Programs will offer hands-on lessons, resources, and opportunities to engage with LA’s rich history through archives at LAPL and beyond, covering topics such as:
- Tools and essentials for starting an oral history project
- Preserving photographs and curating family albums
- Archiving basics and DIY methods
Recurring DIY Archives: Info Sessions on how to use the archival scanner are available at all three branches, in-person or virtually. Each session is unstructured and can cover digitization basics, including archive-safe handling, and plenty of time for Q&A. Drop in to an in-person session. Sign up for the next virtual session using Eventbrite.
DIY Digitization
At participating branches, you can reserve time to digitize your materials using an Epson Expression 13000XL Archival Scanner and film transparency unit. Each station includes access to a photo loupe, light box, some basic maintenance/cleaning materials for your items, and a guide on using the scanner.
Oral History Backpacks
Our circulating oral history backpacks are available for checkout for patrons whose cards are in good standing, for up to three weeks. Each backpack includes: H1essential Zoom recorder, a microphone cover, a tripod, and a guidebook on how to use the recorder and start your own oral history project.
Before checking out an oral history kit, you will need to sign a user agreement, available at the circulation desk at participating branches. Patrons with library cards in good standing may check out a kit for three weeks at a time. No holds or renewals. Visit the circulation desk at the nearest participating branch to sign up.
Do you have VHS tapes or audio reels? Reserve a spot at the DIY Memory Lab, where you can digitize your audio-visual materials.
