Turning Videotapes into DVDs

Just a quick question. I finally found the set of "The Story of English" that I had been looking for forever.  I even tried Netflix without any luck. This story explains the transfomation of the English language from a small germanic tribe to what it is today. The videotapes were at the Boston Public Library, and I was so excited when I saw them that I got the first two, (there are at least 10) and then I realized that I no longer have a videotape player. I know that I can pay to have them transferred, but I think its cost prohibitive. Come to thoink of it, that is probably illegal. Is there an easier way? Or does anyone know where I can get this on DVD? I suppose I could buy a cheap VCP somewhere....

Chris