Here at Kings Funerals, we understand how important memories are to families and future generations. We witness the importance of photographic and video memories every day and how precious they are. That’s why we’re proud to support Geelong Regional Libraries in their efforts to digitise, share, and preserve family memories by making this process simple and accessible to the community.
Kings Funerals have been involved with Geelong Regional Libraries for many years as lifetime library users and as sponsors and committee members of Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival. We’re passionate about supporting organisations that innovate and make positive impacts on our shared community. This program is a perfect example of that. By making family memories more accessible, we can all enjoy them for years to come.
Saving Family Stories will provide people in the local community with free access to equipment and technical support to scan, save, edit and share old negatives, slides, video footage, and photographs. This project will allow precious family stories and treasured memories to be shared and enjoyed, and digitally preserved for generations to come.
Throughout August, introductory sessions will be held at Belmont Library allowing community members to explore and learn how to use the equipment with specialist library staff. Following an induction session, library members can book the mobile scanners to work on their own digitisation projects at their own pace.
In addition, customers will have access at Belmont Library to a stationary scanner (also used for digitising slides, negatives, and photos) and equipment enabling the transfer of video footage from VHS and DVD format to digital files.
The new equipment will complement existing family history resources available through the GRLC, including genealogy PCs and specialist family history support and programs delivered by the team at Kim barne thaliyu/Geelong Heritage Centre.
“The introduction of this equipment to our library collection– supported by technical and practical assistance from the Geelong Regional Libraries’ team – will be a huge asset to the general community, as well as family history enthusiasts in our region,” Chair of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation Board, Councillor Ron Nelson said.
“Furthermore, this initiative helps the development of digital literacy in our community by providing free access to technology and support,” Cr Nelson said.
Susie Zada, Secretary, Geelong Family History Group, said the new equipment and programs will be invaluable for family history researchers both amateur and experienced. “Saving Family Stories is going to help all family historians and researchers understand the importance of digitising old media such as negatives, slides, and videos. People will realise how easily this can be achieved with the tutorial videos and hand-on help sessions”
“Most family historians cannot afford this sort of specialist equipment – so to have access to this equipment for free with a library membership is a real win. We’re grateful to Geelong Regional Libraries and Kings Funerals for such creative and forward-thinking” she said.
Visit the Geelong Regional Libraries’ online catalogue to borrow a mobile scanner, or speak with a team member at your local library for more information.
Preserve your family memories with Geelong Regional Libraries – What stories will they tell!
