{"@context":"http://iiif.io/api/presentation/3/context.json","id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/iiif/9882j6bb4c/manifest","type":"Manifest","label":{"en":["Central 100 Oral History - Crisol de la Torre"]},"logo":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/200/original/lapl_logo.png?1628076950","metadata":[{"label":{"en":["Agent"]},"value":{"en":["Crisol de la Torre"]}},{"label":{"en":["Date"]},"value":{"en":["2026-03-16"]}},{"label":{"en":["Format"]},"value":{"en":["MPEG-4"]}},{"label":{"en":["Keyword"]},"value":{"en":["Teen'Scape"]}},{"label":{"en":["Type"]},"value":{"en":["TheirStory"]}}],"provider":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/aboutus","type":"Agent","label":{"en":["Los Angeles Public Library"]},"homepage":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/","type":"Text","label":{"en":["Los Angeles Public Library"]},"format":"text/html"}],"logo":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/200/original/lapl_logo.png?1628076950","type":"Image"}]}],"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/311/664/small/open-uri20260602-3595221-9leymn_1780440790.jpg?1780440791","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664","type":"Canvas","label":{"en":["Media File 1 of 1 - open-uri20260602-3595221-9leymn.mp4"]},"duration":474.73638,"width":640,"height":360,"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/311/664/small/open-uri20260602-3595221-9leymn_1780440790.jpg?1780440791","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/content/1","type":"AnnotationPage","items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/content/1/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"painting","body":{"id":"https://aviary-p-lapl.s3.wasabisys.com/collection_resource_files/resource_files/000/311/664/original/open-uri20260602-3595221-9leymn.mp4?1780440788","type":"Video","format":"video/mp4","duration":474.73638,"width":640,"height":360},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664","metadata":[]}]}],"annotations":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["TheirStory Transcript (Paragraphs with Speakers) [Transcript]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCRISOL DE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e Hi. My name is Crisol de la Torre. I've been coming to Teen'Scape since I was like five years old. I live in Westlake, which is like right next to downtown, which is right here in the library. I am currently working, but I am also a student. I'm nineteen, [gestures thumbs up with both hands] which, perfect Teen'Scape [points behind her]. Yeah, I want to be a librarian when I'm older. So I'm studying for that, which is insanely hard. But we're gonna get there. We're gonna get there.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=0.76,41.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/2","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e Like I said, I've been visiting Teen'Scape since I was like five years old. My mom took me to the library our first day to obviously get our library card, which back then was like a big hassle. Now it's like easier, thank God. But no yeah, the main reason we came was because I was going through books insanely quickly. I had finished all of my school's library books, and my mom couldn't afford to buy me any more books. So she's like, You know what, let's go get you a library card, you need it.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=42.72,77.86"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/3","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e So yeah, we came and then we filled out our — the information we needed to get our library card. And I left that day with like ten, twelve books. Like I'm talking like totes in hand. And I was like, so giddy and happy about it because it's like I get more books. Knowledge is key. Knowledge has always been key.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=79.42,101.82"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/4","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e But obviously me being five, I'm like, can we play kitchen? So I dragged my mom with me to play like the kitchen set that Children's had available. And we played for like an hour and like she just let me roam. And afterwards she's like, Okay, what we came here for, we got to get you books because you gotta read.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=102.82,126.27"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/5","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e So yeah. And then like two weeks later after like constant begging — because I went through the books in like, I want to say eight days. So I begged for like four days to my mom and to my uncle, like my whole family, like, Take me back, please, I need more. [clenches fists together] So my uncle ended up taking me after school or like a weekend or something. And we left with like sixteen, eighteen books. And I was just so happy and giddy, like books have always been my thing. I have like a whole bookshelf at my house, then I still come here to get more books when I'm broke and can't afford to. Like reading, knowledge is key. [points to head with right hand]","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=127.59,179.671"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/6","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e It's a little sad now. It's a lot more empty compared to when I was a kid. And it's kind of sad. Like, I remember being like six, and we would have so many kids in Children's and then just teenagers in Teen'Scape. And we would all like mingle. Teenagers would play tag with us or like hide and seek all around libraries and they would help us draw, color, obviously teach us how to play pranks. Played a couple of really, really good pranks. But yeah, everybody would just like mingle, mesh together. And it was — it was really cool, and it was really fun. And I feel like nowadays we don't really have that like connection, which is kind of bummed. But technology, that's what it does. A lot of kids don't really like reading nowadays, which is a really big shame. But","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=182.57,249.874"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/7","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e this library means so much to me because there's like constantly new books that I haven't read. And there are new sections that they're constantly adding to, or they've moved stuff around, and I'm just like, I'm entertained. I know this place like the back of my hand. But","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=252.5,271.34"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/8","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e this place has helped me out a lot, especially in high school. High school was rough. I think for every teenager that's extremely true. But [waves to someone off camera] no yeah. It helped me finish high school. It helped me apply to constant like internships, like opportunities that I didn't even know about because my school didn't inform me about. And they helped me. They helped me create my first resume, apply to countless jobs. And were just like super encouraging. And I don't think you can get that really anywhere else, even in school. But it's always been like super calm and like chill, but it's so supportive.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=274.06,326.72"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/9","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e But there's this little spot right next to the librarian desk. It's where they have like a little counter. And that has always been my favorite spot because I'm always bugging the librarians. Or I'm just coloring. I'm just there for support, emotional support, or whoever needs me. I always give really good book recommendations.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=328.44,350.225"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/10","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e But I really, really want to say thank you to everyone in Children's, everybody in Teen'Scape, especially our wonderful librarians Michael, Amanda, Veronica, and then our wonderful Messenger Clerk, Mario. Even though he's a grumpy pants.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=351.6,370.86"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/11","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e A really fun fact just out there that I really love is the fact that this library, Central Library has never stayed the same. It's constantly changing. They're constantly adding new things. I mean, they added like five stories underground to add to this library. I think that's just really cool. I hope they keep with it. Just adding new things, adding more resources that will help future generations. And I think that's really cool. But I really, really hope that they have like Kindles in the future. Because not everybody has like resources to like a phone or an iPad, which I understand they provide computers, but let's be honest, you can't like get comfortable with a whole huge monitor. [laughs]","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=373.86,430.265"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/transcript/94296/annotation/12","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eDE LA TORRE:\u003c/strong\u003e But yeah, this place has a lot of history, and it has a lot of really good moments. And I hope people can come together again and make the best of it the way I remember it as a child. And I hope that future generations continue reading. Continue striving for knowledge. Because knowledge is key. And yeah, I hope this place stays here forever. And hopefully technology does not shut this place down, I'm praying. But yeah, that was my Ted talk. [gestures thumbs up motion with both hands, and then salutes with right h","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=431.67,471.55"}]},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["Auto-generated Index (2026-03-16 21:33:15) [Index]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/13","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Introduction and Personal Background","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=0.0,42.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/14","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker, Crisol de la Torre, introduces herself, mentioning her long-standing connection to Teen'Scape, her residence in Westlake near downtown, and her current status as both a working student and a 19-year-old aspiring librarian. She briefly touches on her academic pursuits and the challenges of studying to become a librarian, setting the stage for her deep connection to the library.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=0.0,42.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/15","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Early Library Experiences and Getting a Library Card","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=42.0,79.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/16","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Crisol recounts her earliest memories of visiting the library, specifically Teen'Scape, starting at the age of five. She describes how her mother brought her to the library to get a library card due to her voracious reading habits and the inability to afford new books. The process of obtaining a library card was more complicated back then, but it opened up a world of books for her, igniting her passion for reading.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=42.0,79.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/17","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Returning to the Library and Developing a Love for Reading","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=79.0,179.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/18","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"After getting her library card, Crisol describes the excitement of leaving the library with a large stack of books and her joy at having access to more reading material. She shares anecdotes about playing in the children's section and how her family, especially her uncle, supported her frequent library visits. Her enthusiasm for reading led her to quickly finish books and repeatedly beg her family to take her back for more, solidifying her lifelong love for books and the library.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=79.0,179.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/19","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Changes in the Library Environment and Nostalgia","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=179.0,245.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/20","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Crisol reflects on how the library has changed since her childhood, noting that it feels emptier and less lively than before. She reminisces about the days when the library was bustling with children and teenagers who interacted, played games, and formed connections. She expresses sadness over the decline in reading among young people, attributing it to the rise of technology, and laments the loss of the vibrant community atmosphere she once experienced.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=179.0,245.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/21","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The Library’s Ongoing Importance and Support","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=245.0,328.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/22","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Despite the changes, Crisol emphasizes the continued significance of the library in her life. She appreciates the ever-evolving collection of books and resources, and recounts how the library supported her through high school by providing access to opportunities, helping her with job applications, and offering encouragement. She highlights the unique support and sense of community she found at the library, which she feels is unmatched even by schools.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=245.0,328.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/23","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Favorite Library Spot and Appreciation for Staff","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=328.0,372.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/24","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Crisol shares her fondness for a particular spot near the librarian desk, where she often interacts with librarians, seeks book recommendations, and offers emotional support to others. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to specific staff members, including Michael, Amanda, Veronica, and Mario, acknowledging their positive impact on her library experience and personal growth.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=328.0,372.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/25","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The Library’s Evolution and Hopes for the Future","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=372.0,431.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/26","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Crisol admires the library's constant evolution, noting the addition of new sections and even five underground stories. She hopes the library continues to innovate and expand its resources for future generations. She also expresses a wish for the library to provide Kindles or similar devices to increase accessibility, recognizing that not everyone has access to personal technology and that the library's adaptability is one of its greatest strengths.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=372.0,431.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/27","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Closing Thoughts and Hopes for Future Generations","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=431.0,474.73638"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664/index/92478/annotation/28","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Crisol concludes by reflecting on the library's rich history and the many positive memories it holds. She expresses her hope that people will come together to recreate the sense of community she cherished as a child and encourages future generations to continue reading and seeking knowledge. She wishes for the library's enduring presence and prays that technology will not diminish its importance, ending with a heartfelt farewell.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172753/file/311664#t=431.0,474.73638"}]}]}]}