The Studio

photo of studio computers

The Studio is a do-it-yourself space with equipment, software and learning resources for you to get creative with video, music, graphic design and more. The Studio is funded by the Friends of the Library.

Request to use a Studio computer at the Tech Learning Center Desk, call the library at 847-392-0100. Customers can book the area one week in advance. Sessions are for up to two hours per day.

Book a studio room

 

microphone

What You Can Do

Here are just a few project ideas to get you started.

  • Create a photo slideshow for a party.
  • Record music, voiceover or a podcast.
  • Edit videos or practice photography.
  • Design a logo or business cards.
  • Digitize your home movies, photos or cassettes.
  • Design 3D prints in virtual reality.
Image of staff setting up photo equipment

Use the Studio

Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.– 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m.– 5:30 p.m.

Already know which Studio you need?

Book Now

Studio room use is subject to these guidelines.

Not sure which studio is right for you? 

Use The Studio Finder 

You can also call 847-392-0100 or stop by the Tech Learning Center to book a Studio.

Equipment

Details and Equipment

Here are all the technical details you may want to know about the Studio.

  • Adapter
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Apple Photos
  • Audacity
  • Final Cut Pro
  • GarageBand
  • iMovie
  • Logic Pro
  • Motion
  • Open Broadcaster Software
  • Pages, Keynote, Numbers
  • Skype
  • Toast Titanium

Studio A

  • Batch Photo Scanner
  • Condenser Mic - AT2020 USB
  • Flatbed Scanner
  • Book Scanner

Studio B

  • Condenser Mic - AT2035
  • Digital Piano
  • Lights & Backdrops
  • Loopback Audio

Studio C

  • Dynamic Microphone - Heil PR 40
  • MIDI Keyboard
  • FL Studio

Studio Production

  • Ableton Live
  • Condenser Mic - AT2035
  • Electric Drumkit
  • Lights & Backdrops
  • Maschine
  • MIDI Keyboard
  • Pro Tools
  • Vocal Booth
  • FL Studio

 

  • DSLR Camera – Canon 60D
  • Camcorder – Canon Vixia
  • Guitar Cables
  • Microphone Cables
  • Condenser Microphone – SCM660
  • Dynamic Microphone – SM57
  • Lavalier Microphone
  • Headphones
  • Guitar
  • Boom Tripod
  • Product Photography Box
  • Virtual Reality Headset
    • For customers 12 years old and older.

Digitizing Kits must be reserved separately.

Audio Conversion Kit

  • Convert your records and cassettes to a CD or digital audio file.

 

Batch Slide Scanner Kit

  • Scan large quantities of 35mm slides in a short amount of time.

 

Reel-to-Reel Film Conversion Kit

  • Arlington Heights cardholders only.
  • Instructional appointment required for first use.
  • Convert your 8mm, Super8 and 16mm film to a digital video file.

Make an Appointment

 

VHS Conversion Kit

  • Convert your VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Digital8, Video8, DV and Mini DV tapes to DVD or to a digital format.

 

Acceptable Formats for Digitization

  • Photos and documents (up to 8.5 x 11.7)
  • 35mm and 120mm film negatives
  • 35mm Slides
  • VHS and VHS-C Cassettes
  • Hi8, Digital8 and Video8 Cassettes
  • Mini DV and DV Cassettes
  • 8mm, Super8 and 16mm films
  • Audio Cassette Tape
  • 33, 45 and 78 RPM records

If you have a different format, let us know. If you have access to a working playback device, there's a chance it will connect to our digitization equipment.

Photo of woman borrowing projector wth Library of Things logo

Studio On-the-Go

To bring the Studio home with you, check out the Library of Things. Whether it’s a GoPro to record your latest video or a microphone to start a podcast, the Studio’s got you covered.

Arlington Heights cardholders only.

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Creator Spotlight

Get ready to show us your creative side! Creator Spotlight features aspiring creators and the work they are making in the library’s Makerplace and in the Studio or with items from our Library of Things collection. Whether it's a piece of music, an Arduino-powered arcade cabinet, a photo of a painting you just completed or even a finished puzzle, we want to shine the spotlight on what you created and show others too - on our website and on the library’s social media channels! Do you want to be highlighted in our Creator Spotlight?  Click the link for more details:

Creator Spotlight

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FAQs

Sure! However, the cardholder the Studio is checked out to must be present the entire time. You cannot check in under someone else’s name or just drop your friends off. Studios A, B, and C hold a maximum of four people. Studio Entry holds a maximum of two people. Studio Production holds six at most.

You can make reservations up to a week in advance.

Conversion happens in real time, meaning a two-hour VHS tape will take two hours to convert, and a 20-minute LP will take 20 minutes to convert.

 

Additional time is required for burning to CDs or DVDs, as well as editing and rendering video if you choose.

You bet. You’ll only need to pay for flash drives ($6), CDs or DVDs (75¢) or if your fees are over $10.

The Studio is open to Arlington Heights cardholders, Arlington Heights business cardholders, reciprocal borrowers and students from the following schools presenting a student ID:

 

  • The Academy at Forest View
  • Buffalo Grove High School
  • Christian Liberty Academy
  • John Hersey High School
  • Newcomer School
  • Rolling Meadows High School
  • South Middle School
  • St. Viator High School
  • Thomas Middle School
  • Vanguard School

If you meet these criteria, but are under the age of 12, you will need a parent to accompany you. Customers with fines above $10 will not be allowed to use the Studio.

Yes, but unless you’re plugging in your own storage device (flash drive or external hard drive) or connecting a camera to our video conversion equipment, you cannot connect your own devices. You may not rearrange or unplug cables from our setup to accommodate your own equipment. Our gear is a custom set up and unplugging or rearranging cables may result in a poor experience for the following users. It’s important to leave things as they are.

That said, feel free to bring your own laptop, etc. to do work on while you have video rendering or converting on our computers.

No. The Studio is a food and drink-free environment.

You may not install your own software, but you can request certain titles be installed. Let us know!

You are responsible for saving your files to your own device. We do have flash drives and DVDs for sale, as well as flash drives and external hard drives for checkout. Before you leave the Studio, you must restart the computer, which will erase all your files before the next use.

staff helping studio user

Getting Help

Troubleshooting guides, step-by-step instructions and video tutorials are available in each Studio for many of the most common questions. Videos can be access through Niche Academy.

Staff can give you a few minutes of help with basic issues, but for in-depth assistance, you can set up a 30-minute one-on-one appointment.

Request an appointment