VHS Conversion
The Greenburgh Public Library has equipment that allows you to convert your analog media - VHS videocassettes - to digital files.
Reserve time with the equipment and bring your media, plus a storage device, to the Greenburgh Public Library at the scheduled time. The Library will provide a laptop with the appropriate software and any other needed equipment and cables.
- Patrons can reserve the VHS conversion equipment for a period of 60-180 minutes at a time.
- Patrons may only reserve the equipment once a day.
- Reservations must be made at least 5+ days in advance.
- Reservations are not immediately confirmed. You will receive a follow-up email confirming your requested date and time.
- Service is only available Monday - Friday.
What can be transferred?
- VHS Cassettes
- VHS-C Cassettes
Special Circumstances
- Mini DV or 8mm tapes can be converted ONLY if the patron provides the appropriate player or camcorder.
- Player or camcorder must support RCA output.
- Our equipment does not support Firewire connections.
General Policies
- You must have a valid adult library card from a Westchester Library System participating library.
- You must bring in your own storage device (flash drive, external hard drive, cloud storage).
- GPL staff will provide the digital conversion equipment and will assist with the conversion process.
- The digital conversion process takes place in real time. For example: if your tape or record runs 20 minutes, it will take 20 minutes for it to be digitized.
Can I digitize a VHS recording without burning it to a DVD?
Yes. You can convert the VHS recording to a video file that can be copied to a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or uploaded to an online storage or video hosting service.
Is it safe? What if the VCR eats my tape?
Please note that the Library cannot guarantee original media will not be damaged when using this equipment. The Library is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment during the conversion process. Assess the risk you are willing to take with your VHS tapes before starting the conversion, especially when digitizing media with sentimental value. If you are concerned that your VHS tape might get damaged, you should consider taking your tape to a professional service that offers a safety guaranty.
Do I have to stay during the entire conversion process?
Staff will not convert media or finalize projects in the absence of the content owner. Patrons must be present at all times while projects are digitizing and/or rendering. The conditions of the film need to be sufficient and clear for digitizing. We cannot restore damaged film.
What if I need help? Will you do this for me?
While we cannot do the whole conversion process, we are happy to help get you started and work through any issues you come across! Step-by-step instructions are available with the digitization equipment.
Copyright
Concerns about copyright infringement extend to the use of equipment to duplicate copyright-protected documents and graphic materials. Each patron assumes all responsibility for observing copyright restrictions when using equipment in the library.
Make a reservation to use the equipment below.
Have questions? Email us here.
Digital Film Scanner
If you’ve got old film negatives or 35 mm slides collecting dust, this device makes it easy to convert them into digital image files. The KODAK Slide-N-Scan uses a 14 megapixel sensor and supports 35 mm (135), 110 and 126 film formats, as well as 50 mm slides.
Reserve time with the equipment and bring your media, plus a storage device, to the Greenburgh Public Library at the scheduled time.
- Patrons can reserve the Digital Film Scanner for a period of 60-180 minutes at a time.
- Patrons may only reserve the equipment once a day.
- Reservations must be made at least 5+ days in advance.
- Reservations are not immediately confirmed. You will receive a follow-up email confirming your requested date and time.
- Service is only available Monday - Friday.
Features
- Supports 35 mm (135), 110 and 126 format negatives and slides.
- 14 MP native sensor resolution (with interpolation to 22 MP) for capturing image detail.
- 5” LCD display for preview, gallery mode and simple editing (color/brightness adjustment, date/time assignment).
- One-touch scan operation and continuous-feed tray for negatives (for quicker throughput).
Things to Know
- You’ll need an SD or SDHC card (max 32 GB) for saving the scanned images – the card is not included.
- Make sure you bring your film or slides: the device works only when you feed in negatives/slides.
- Handle film carefully: avoid dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning before scanning will improve results.
- Set aside enough time: scanning batches may take time depending on how many frames you have.
- If you have very large formats (medium or large format film) this scanner is not suitable — it only handles 35mm/110/126.
Get the best image
- Dust is the enemy. Gently use the included brush or a hand blower on film and holders. Fingerprints = permanent smudges.
- Emulsion side matters. If colors look inverted/odd or text is mirrored, flip the frame in the holder or use the rotate/flip buttons.
- Use the 5″ screen to fine-tune. Nudge Brightness and Color only a little; you can do bigger edits later on a computer.
- Scan “clean,” edit later. Capture at the highest resolution, then crop/retouch on your computer (free tools like Photos, GIMP, or Photopea work well).
- Keep frames straight. Seat film fully in the holder; bowed film = soft edges. For curly strips, load slowly and don’t force.
This scanner provides an affordable way to bring analog memories into the digital era — perfect for people with a box of old negatives/slides who want to preserve or share them (without buying expensive scanning equipment). It allows users to revisit and digitize their film heritage, all in one device.
Make a reservation to use the equipment below.
Have questions? Email us here.
