Corio Library to expand family memory digitisation service

Residents in Geelong’s north will soon be able to preserve old family photos, films and home videos closer to home, with the Saving Family Stories program expanding to Corio Library.

The free service, which officially launches at the library on 22 July, gives people access to specialised equipment and technical support to digitise ageing formats including photographs, negatives, slides, VHS tapes and film footage.

First introduced in 2022, the program has expanded across the Geelong Regional Libraries network with support from Kings Funerals and is already available at Belmont, Leopold and Newcomb libraries.

More than 4,300 hours of equipment use have been recorded since the service began, with community members completing more than 2,400 digitisation sessions and attending 171 introductory workshops.

Acting Geelong Regional Libraries chief executive David Semmens said the program helped preserve family and local history that may otherwise be lost.

“Libraries remove barriers by providing free access to technology, learning opportunities and trusted spaces where anyone can participate, regardless of their background or experience,” he said.

“Our knowledgeable staff help build confidence with our community members as they learn to use the Saving Family Stories resources to record memories that might otherwise be lost.

“We’re delighted to extend this service to the Corio community.”

Mr Semmens said the ongoing partnership with Kings Funerals had allowed the service to reach more communities across Greater Geelong.

Kings Funerals general manager Beth King said preserving memories was an important way of maintaining family connections across generations.

“At Kings Funerals, we have a long-standing role supporting families through life’s significant moments and we understand how important memories are to families and generations,” she said.

“We’re proud to support Geelong Regional Libraries in their efforts to digitise, share and preserve family memories to even more people.”

The launch will be held at Corio Library on Wednesday 22 July, from 10.30am to 11.30am.

The Saving Family Stories program complements the family history resources available at the Geelong Heritage Centre, which also offers genealogy research facilities and specialist support.

To learn more, visit grlc.vic.gov.au/learn/saving-family-stories