The Media Lab

Media Lab Staff

To connect with Media Lab Staff, please call 847-810-4619 or send a message to the Media Lab.

Chad

John

Ming

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Kids and Families" group.
This event is in the "Everyone" group.

Drop-in Tech Tuesdays

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Adults, Teens, Kids and Families, Everyone

The Latest from the Blog

TREEmendous Library Card Campaign: ROOT

Season 1 of 5: ROOT We don’t need to go out on a limb to say that library cards are fantastic. Like sunshine brightening a forest, library cards enrich and empower the Lake Forest community with resources to facilitate literacy, resilience, and growth. That’s why we’re inviting you to celebrate ...

Read More

Available Tools

Hardware Software
Mac Pro with two 27" monitors          Adobe Creative Suite
Intuos Pro Wacom Tablet Adobe Photoshop
Silhouette Cameo Vinyl Cutter Adobe Illustrator
Yeti Microphone Adobe InDesign
3D Printer Adobe Premiere Pro
Epson FastFoto Adobe After Effects
8mm and Super 8 Converter GarageBand
Epson V600 Scanner iMovie
VHS/DVD Player Roxio Toast DVD burner
USB Turntable Final Cut Pro
Cassette Player Logic Pro
Sawgrass VG500 Sublimation Printer       PrintMate
Cricket Mug Press Machine Silhouette Studio
Cricket EasyPress 2 Autodesk FUSION 360
iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit Blender
   
   

Media Conversion

We offer equipment for converting various types of media into digital files including:

  • 8mm and Super 8 film
  • Audio cassettes
  • Non-copyrighted CD / DVD
  • Film (35mm strips, mounted slides, and medium format strips)
  • Photographs up to 8.5×11.7″ (up to 6400 dpi)
  • Non-copyrighted VHS tapes
  • Vinyl records

We can also convert video from various types of video cameras. Call: 847-810-4610 or send a message to the Media Lab.

  1. The Media Lab is open to all Lake Forest Library cardholders aged 13 and older in groups of five or fewer. If your library card is expired or blocked, you must resolve the issues before using the Media Lab.
  2. Patrons aged 13–18 can use the Media Lab only when an assistant or librarian is available.
  3. You can make a Media Lab appointment online.
  4. Appointments can last up to 90 minutes. Your reservation will be held for 15 minutes before being given up. Extensions are possible if no one else is waiting.
  5. Patrons are limited to one 90-min appointment per week.
  6. No food or drinks are allowed in the Media Lab.
  7. The Media Lab is reserved specifically for the use of the hardware and software available only in the space. Patrons may use public computers for all other purposes. The Media Lab is not to be used as an office space or telephone room.

Vinyl Cutter

The Cameo 4 is a 12-inch width programmable desktop cutting machine for beginners and experienced crafters that makes precision cuts in different kinds of materials like vinyl, cardstock, fabric, felt, foam, leather and more.

► Learn more about this equipment 

This machine is great for making vinyl designs, shape cutouts, paper crafting, scrapbooking and more.

3D Printer

Explore "additive manufacturing technology" by using the Lake Forest Library's 3D printer. 3D models are  printed using PLA (polyactic acid) which is a biodegradable plastic from plant-based sources. 

► Learn more about this equipment

Use a CAD program to design something yourself or find an interesting design made by someone else. Make tabletop game miniatures, pencil holders, custom-fit hardware for DIY projects, replacement parts for broken appliances and everything in between. The size of printed objects is limited to 250×210×210 millimeters (9.84×8.3×8.3 inches).

SUBLIMATION PRINTER

Sublimation printers use a special kind of ink that allows for the print to be transferred onto another object. This allows you to apply custom artwork to a wide variety of items, from mugs to coasters to phone cases.

► Learn more about this equipment

You can print logos, photographs, or text. If you can print it on a “normal” printer, then you can print it on a sublimation printer! Use the sublimation printer in conjunction with a heat press to make custom shirts, mugs, coasters, and more. 

 

Laminator

The Thermal Laminator boasts impressive rapid laminating speeds, capable of laminating at a rate of 31" per minute. 

Learn more about this equipment

Lamination is a popular way to protect and improve the quality and durability of printed materials.

Heat Press

The Fancierstudio Flat Heat Press heats up to 500º for iron-on (heat transfer) vinyl, and  Cricut Infusible Ink  designs. 

► Learn more about this equipment 

The heat press can be used to customize a variety of flat objects including bags, t-shirts, coasters, and more.

Cricut Mug Press

The Cricut Mug Press is a specialty press, exclusively for pressing mugs. For use with Infusible Ink compatible mugs.

► Learn more about this equipment 

Make mugs!

Stories From the Media Lab

Resources

Craftsy through Hoopla A video library of projects for bakers, designers, sewers, knitters, and more.

Creativebug A video library of tutorials for DIY crafters, creators, and artists. Includes patterns and some project lists.

LinkedIn Learning Learn technology and creative skills with over 700 course subjects including photography, illustration, 3D animation, video and graphic design.

CRAFT & HOBBY Start crafting your dreams today! Discover a world of creativity and unleash your imagination with tutorials and inspiration from Craft & Hobby.

Borrow Technology Equipment

See all: Schedule an appointmentGoing on NowAbout the Media Lab

technology equipment

A Wi-Fi hotspot is a device that allows you to connect your mobile enabled devices (e.g. laptop, smartphones, tablets, etc.) to the Internet. The hotspot is portable so you can connect your device almost wherever you go (for example: home, on the bus, in the park, etc.).

Find it in the catalog

All-in-one adapter includes 4 different plugs that cover over 150 countries, such as USA, Canada, Japan, UK, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, etc. (excluding South Africa, India)

Find it in the catalog

A tool for quick, accurate automotive diagnostics, helping you stay ahead of potential potential issues and avoid costly repairs. 

coming soon

entertainment & hobbies

The original addiExpress King Size Knitting Machine is an excellent tool for creating scarves, ponchos, pillowcases, and Afghans. With the addiExpress, you can knit in minutes! Give the machine a crank and see how your creations grow before your eyes.

coming soon

Indoor/outdoor digital projector.

Find it in the catalog

Portable projector screen. 130 inches wide by 102 inches high. 

Find it in the catalog

1 digital video camera : plastic, glass, black ; 7 x 5 x 3 cm + 1 micro SD card adapter + 1 micro SD card (inside of camera) + 1 house with mounting buckle and thumb screw + 1 USB-C cable + 1 AC power adapter + 1 extendable selfie stick with thumb screw + 1 flexible tripod + 1 floating handle with thumb screw + 1 chest mount + 1 head mount + micro SD card reader + 1 GoPro carrying case & instruction booklet.

Find it in the catalog

1 digital camera, 4.3x Wide Angle Lens & Case, 2.2x Telephoto Lens with Case, 18-55mm Lens, 32GB SD Card, SD Card Reader, SD Card Holder, Battery, Battery Charger, Tripod & Tripod Carrying Case, Neck Strap ; case 21 x 27 x 14 cm

Find it in the catalog

Selfie ring light. Perfect for Photographers, YouTubers, Vloggers, TikTokers, etc. 

Find it in the catalog

Streaming Devices

1 streaming player : plastic and metal ; 7 x 4 x 2 cm + 1 remote, 1 USB power cable, 1 power adapter, 1 high speed HDMI cable, 1 quick start guide.

Find it in the catalog

1 streaming player : plastic and metal ; 7 x 4 x 2 cm + 1 remote, 1 USB power cable, 1 power adapter, 1 high speed HDMI cable, 1 quick start guide.

Find it in the catalog

1 streaming player : plastic and metal ; 7 x 4 x 2 cm + 1 remote, 1 USB power cable, 1 power adapter, 1 high speed HDMI cable, 1 quick start guide.

Find it in the catalog

1 streaming player : plastic and metal ; 7 x 4 x 2 cm + 1 remote, 1 USB power cable, 1 power adapter, 1 high speed HDMI cable, 1 quick start guide.

Find it in the catalog

Gaming

Meta Quest 3 is a virtual reality system that unlocks new perspectives into how we work, create, and collaborate, so you can go beyond what was previously possible. 

Find it in the catalog

1 game console : plastic, black ; 4 x 3 x 10 cm + 1 Joy-Con (L) neon blue + 1 Joy-Con (R) neon red + Joy-Con straps + 1 high speed HDMI cable + 1 Switch dock + 1 Joy-Con grip + AC adapter + guide.

Find it in the catalog

Traverse grass-swept plains by jogging in place, attack enemies with overhead shoulder presses, and refill your health meter by striking some yoga poses. Two new accessories, the Ring-Con and Leg Strap, measure your real-world actions and help turn them into in-game movements.

Find it in the catalog

2 black Joy-Con Steering Wheels.

Find it in the catalog

Race a real-life Mario Kart, controlled from your Nintendo Switch system.

Find it in the catalog

Home Digitizing

Digital scanner for converting film negatives (135, 110, 126) and 50 mm slides (135, 110, 126) to a digital format.

Find it in the catalog

1 DVD recorder/VCR + 1 remote control + 1 HDMI cable + 1 RCA composite cable (Y/W/R) + 1 briefcase+ 1 owner's manual + 1 quick start guide. briefcase 45 x 33 x 17 cm.

Find it in the catalog

Digitize VHS tapes. VCR not included. 

1 video capture : white, red, yellow ; 3 x 11 x 1 cm + 1 set of composite cables + 1 instruction sheet.

Find it in the catalog