Do-it-yourself video and audio recording kits are available at the Rock County Library.
The free use of the equipment is for anyone who wants to capture family stories in video and/or audio formats. A library card is necessary for the two-week checkout period.
Called “history kits,” each contains the necessary equipment to produce a superior quality recording. Each kit contains easy-to-follow instructions.
The video kit includes a camera, tripod, white and green backdrops, microphones and lighting accessories.
The audio kit has a digital stereo recorder, noise reduction accessories and an external microphone.
The completed personal recordings are downloaded to the patron’s personal computer. The video and audio equipment is re-formatted/erased for the use by the next patron.
The equipment was purchased through a Minnesota Arts and Heritage Fund grant.
A set of the history kits is available at each of the 26 libraries located in the nine-county Plum Creek Library System.
“In addition to the kits being used for recording family histories, our libraries are encouraged to partner with their local historical societies, schools and other organizations to preserve pieces of their local culture and history,” said Rebecca Hudson, PCLS arts and heritage fund program coordinator.
“Local history and family stories are an important part of the cultural heritage of southwest Minnesota, and libraries want to help preserve that cultural heritage before it disappears.”