A library customer uses the recording studio and computer station at the Douglas County Library in the Town of Parker.
Courtesy of Douglas County Libraries
The Douglas County Libraries are home to more than just books; there are hidden gems throughout each of its locations that assist community members in their personal and professional endeavors.
For more than a decade, the Recording Studio at the Douglas County Library in the Town of Parker has been a creative hub for many in the community.
Over the years, it has been the place where residents have recorded podcasts, produced marketing materials, conducted interviews and filmed videos for both adults and students.
Brad Young, a Library Experience Librarian with Douglas County Libraries in Parker, said he has seen customers use the studio in creative and interesting ways.
“A local musician with nearly a million social media followers recorded an album there and a group of neurodiverse adults used the podcasting station to role-play as DJs,” Young said.
He added that he has also seen the studio be used for a Halloween horror photo shoot, a music video and audiobook recordings.
The studio predates the library’s current E. Mainstreet building, which opened in 2016, and has continued to evolve with technological advancements and to meet the needs of the community.
As audio and video equipment and software programs can be expensive, those wishing to create digital content don’t need to stress about not having certain equipment.
Currently, the studio offers state-of-the-art software and professional-grade equipment that allows library customers to bring their creative ideas to life, according to Melissa Anciaux, a spokesperson for Douglas County Libraries.
The studio is equipped with an array of tools that will assist creators with any type of project. According to the library, some of the most in-demand pieces of equipment are digital photo and video cameras and iPads.
Other tools include Yeti and Shure microphones, microphone stands, soundproofing materials, tripods, Scarlett audio interface and Behringer mixer, electric keyboard and drum pad, green screen and lighting and 27-inch iMacs with Retina 5K displays.
In addition to the video software programs like iMovie, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro, the studio has GarageBand, Logic Pro, Audacity as well as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
The professional-quality production environment is available to library customers at no cost. However, the customer wishing to use the equipment must have a library card, photo identification and a room reservation. Additionally, those under the age of 12 must have a parent or guardian make the reservation and remain in the room during the session.
Individuals or groups can reserve the studio for up to nine hours each week. To make a reservation, visit dcl.org/reserve-a-space.
Due to the high demand of the studio, the library states that if a customer is more than 30 minutes late for their reservation, the time may be given to another user.
If customers are not filming or recording in the studio and just need some editing time, they can use one of the two computer stations outside of the studio without having to make a reservation.
Once a project has been edited on the library’s computer, the library encourages customers to store and store their content on the cloud, a flash drive or an SD card.
For those who may be interested or new to creating digital content, the Parker library location provides audio and video orientation sessions weekly to educate customers about different types of equipment.
Registration for these sessions is available through the library’s event calendar on DCL.org. Online learning resources and tutorials can also be found at dcl.org/library-perks/#online-learning.
“The space is designed to support creators of all ages and skill levels,” Anciaux said.
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