McKim Memory Lab

The Memory Lab is a free library space dedicated to personal archiving and the digital conversion of family photos, personal letters, home movies, and other treasured family and community archives. The Memory Lab is a do-it-yourself space, meaning that the Library provides equipment and step-by-step instructions, but you control the process from start to finish! The Memory Lab is located in the historic McKim Building at the BPL's Central Library in Copley Square.

Explore digital conversion resources in the Memory Lab Research Guide.  

This pilot initiative is generously supported by a BPL Fund Special Connections grant. To learn more about supporting the Library, please visit the Boston Public Library Fund's website.

The Memory Lab is open Mondays 1pm-4pm and Thursdays 9am-12pm, beginning on October 19, 2026. Our current hours for the Memory Lab are listed below; hours are subject to change as the pilot initiative progresses. 

• Monday: 1pm-4pm 
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 9am-12pm
• Friday: Closed
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

• To reserve and use the Memory Lab, you must complete the Memory Lab orientation and agree to the Memory Lab Use Agreement. 

• A valid, physical Boston Public Library card is required to use the Memory Lab. Learn about getting a BPL library card.  

• You will need to know your Library card PIN to log in on the desktop at the Memory Lab workstation. If you do not know your PIN, reset it at https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/user/forgot.

• All Memory Lab reservations are mediated. You will receive confirmation of your booking once we have reviewed your appointment request and confirmed that you have completed the Memory Lab tutorial. Please note: your appointment is not confirmed until you have received a confirmation email.

• All items brought to the Memory Lab for digital conversion must be free of mold, mildew, or other forms of degradation. Please remove any sticky residue (glue, tape, etc.) from your materials before you arrive.