{"@context":"http://iiif.io/api/presentation/3/context.json","id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/iiif/bg2h70b75p/manifest","type":"Manifest","label":{"en":["Central 100 Oral History - Stephen Gee"]},"logo":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/200/original/lapl_logo.png?1628076950","metadata":[{"label":{"en":["Agent"]},"value":{"en":["Stephen Gee"]}},{"label":{"en":["Date"]},"value":{"en":["2026-02-04"]}},{"label":{"en":["Format"]},"value":{"en":["MPEG-4"]}},{"label":{"en":["Keyword"]},"value":{"en":["Architecture","Angel City Press","Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art and Architecture"]}},{"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/000/311/675/small/C100-LAPL_CARD-Enlarged_24x15.png?1780441430","type":"Image","format":"image/png"}],"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675","type":"Canvas","label":{"en":["Media File 1 of 1 - open-uri20260602-3595221-19ti5l.mp4"]},"duration":416.512,"width":640,"height":360,"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/311/675/small/C100-LAPL_CARD-Enlarged_24x15.png?1780441430","type":"Image","format":"image/png"}],"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/content/1","type":"AnnotationPage","items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/content/1/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"painting","body":{"id":"https://aviary-p-lapl.s3.wasabisys.com/collection_resource_files/resource_files/000/311/675/original/open-uri20260602-3595221-19ti5l.mp4?1780441060","type":"Audio","format":"audio/mp3","duration":416.512,"width":640,"height":360},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675","metadata":[]}]}],"annotations":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["TheirStory Transcript (Paragraphs with Speakers) [Transcript]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eSTEPHEN GEE:\u003c/strong\u003e My name is Stephen Gee. I'm the the author of several books on the history and architecture of Los Angeles, including Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art and Architecture, which I worked with Arnold Schwartzman on.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=0.32,13.606"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/2","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGEE:\u003c/strong\u003e Growing up in England, my father was a huge fan of libraries, and he always sort of explained to us that when we go to a new place, the first place you should always go is to the central library and figure out the city — or figure out the city based on what your library was.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=14.72,30.12"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/3","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGEE:\u003c/strong\u003e I remember coming here on the bus in the mid-1990s. I'd never been here. I had absolutely — I didn't even know what it looked like. Getting out in front of the building, staring at it, and thinking, is this the Central Library? Am I actually in the right place? And, you know, years later, researching a book about the history of the art and architecture of this building, finding a quote from Bertram Goodhue saying that he basically wanted people to stand outside the building, scratch their head, think, you know, am I in the right place, but not scratch your head and give up. I found that really a profound connection to the history of this building, because Bertram Goodhue, decades later, had exactly that impact that he desired for people in the 1920s — he had it on me. I had the same reaction. I wanted to go inside. I wanted to find out what it was all about, you know. And that's how it started.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=30.4,85.98"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/4","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGEE:\u003c/strong\u003e I feel like I have so many memories when I come in here of different people in my life that are not — some of them that are not even in my life and they've, you know, passed on or whatever, moved away. So I feel that so much of my life is in here, has a lot of, you know, ghosts, almost of people when I walk around.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=86.66,104.86"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/5","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGEE:\u003c/strong\u003e One of my favorite memories was the launch event we had here for the book on Central Library. And a lot of the folks came back who had been instrumental in saving the building. And I think, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this building, it's easy to forget in some ways how close we came on several occasions to actually not having this building, which seems almost impossible now. But, you know, a lot of the folks that, as young preservationists, stood up and said, No, you can't take take this building from the city, it means something — are still alive. And yeah, any moment I've shared with them in this building is special because I don't think even they at that time probably realized — well, maybe they did — how significant that contribution is to the history of Los Angeles.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=105.66,161.59"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/6","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGEE:\u003c/strong\u003e Central Library, to me, is a magical place where you come and lose yourself. It's like a time travel machine, if that's what you want. It's like a spaceship that will take you off to some other world. It's a place that — I've had so many experiences of coming here and doing research and have lost total track of time.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=162.83,188.37"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/7","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGEE:\u003c/strong\u003e I can think of one occasion, for example, reading through old newspapers on the microfiche machines. I was doing research on the architect John Parkinson, and I was so lost in reading these newspapers that one of the stories literally said there was an exhibition coming up of John Parkinson's work. And I got a shot of adrenaline through me thinking, I have to go to that. And then I realized, well, actually, no, it was 100 years ago. I'm just lost in this space. So what I'm saying is that it's a portal to other worlds. It's a portal to knowledge. It's a portal to reinventing yourself and thinking about ideas that you couldn't have comprehended until you came in here.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=188.81,231.97"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/8","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGEE:\u003c/strong\u003e I think it's the most democratic, welcoming space that exists in the city. And I think if you looked around the audience on the 100th anniversary celebration, you realize that it reaches out to every section of the population. I think there's an inscription outside that roughly, and I'm going to paraphrase it, it says, Books alone are liberal and free, they emancipate all who serve them faithfully. And I think you could extend that to the library and say it's free and it's freeing, and it enriches the lives of anybody that wants to come in here.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=232.29,269.5"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/9","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGEE:\u003c/strong\u003e My favorite spot is the rotunda. Just because it has almost a spiritual sense to it. I think it was designed to leave you with a sense of awe and allow you in that moment to just focus on the higher purpose of this building, which is knowledge, which is enriching yourself mentally. And then because it has all those different entrance ways around it, it allows you to go off back and explore the library again and get back to work. It's almost — I almost look at it like a gas station or an electric recharging spot where you come in, it recharges you with that idea of the purpose of this building, and then you leave and go back to work.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=270.46,318.8"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/10","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGEE:\u003c/strong\u003e I think a fun fact about the Los Angeles Central Library, and I think in some ways it tells you a lot about Los Angeles as a city, is the fact that we had a stadium in the Coliseum capable of competing for the greatest sporting event in the world, the Olympic Games, before we had a central library, which to me is mind blowing, but at the same time it tells you everything about Los Angeles.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=319.56,347.88"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/transcript/94306/annotation/11","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGEE:\u003c/strong\u003e I would say there's so many people. I think obviously the first time I met John Szabo was 2013. In 2013, there was a lot of discussion about what purpose does a library have? We don't really have those discussions anymore, you know. I think it's quite obvious because a lot of the work that's been done here, just right off the top of my head, Christina Rice has done so much to enrich the lives of Angelenos with a lot of the programming that she puts on. It's highly educational, it really touches on the spirit of the city. Ani Boyadjian, whose name I always screw up, does the same thing, too. So that would be the obvious candidates. But there's there's so many of them. I think it takes a certain spirit, a certain ability to connect with people, and obviously an understanding of the higher purpose of what a library is to want to come in here and be a librarian. It's a very important public service. It's a meaningful service, and I think it's probably a job u","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=348.64,416.01"}]},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["Auto-generated Index (2026-02-04 21:14:11) [Index]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/12","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/172763/file/311675#t=0.0,30.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/13","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker introduces himself as Stephen Gee, an author focused on the history and architecture of Los Angeles, particularly the Central Library. He shares that his upbringing in England and his father's passion for libraries shaped his perspective, instilling the idea that visiting a central library is the key to understanding a new city. This background sets the foundation for his deep connection to libraries and the Los Angeles Central Library in particular.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=0.0,30.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/14","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"First Encounter with the Los Angeles Central Library","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=30.0,86.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/15","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker recounts his first visit to the Los Angeles Central Library in the 1990s, describing his awe upon seeing the building for the first time. He connects his experience to a quote from Bertram Goodhue, the library’s architect, who intended for visitors to question their surroundings but feel compelled to explore further. This moment of curiosity and discovery marked the beginning of the speaker’s journey into researching the library’s history and architecture.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=30.0,86.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/16","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Personal Memories and Emotional Connections","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=86.0,105.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/17","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker reflects on the emotional resonance the library holds for him, describing how it is filled with memories of people from his past, including those who have passed away or moved on. The library serves as a repository of personal history, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection to significant moments and relationships throughout his life.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=86.0,105.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/18","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Preservation and the Library’s Historical Importance","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=105.0,162.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/19","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker shares a cherished memory of the book launch event at the Central Library, where many individuals who played key roles in preserving the building gathered. He highlights the library’s near loss on several occasions and the vital efforts of young preservationists who fought to keep it alive. Their contributions are recognized as significant to the history of Los Angeles, and the speaker expresses gratitude for moments shared with these dedicated individuals.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=105.0,162.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/20","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The Library as a Portal to Knowledge and Experience","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=162.0,232.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/21","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker describes the Central Library as a transformative space, likening it to a time machine or spaceship that transports visitors to other worlds. He shares personal anecdotes of becoming deeply engrossed in research, such as reading old newspapers on microfiche and momentarily forgetting the passage of time. The library is portrayed as a gateway to knowledge, self-discovery, and new ideas that are only accessible within its walls.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=162.0,232.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/22","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The Library’s Democratic and Inclusive Nature","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=232.0,270.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/23","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker emphasizes the Central Library’s role as an inclusive and democratic institution that welcomes people from all walks of life. He notes the diversity of attendees at the library’s 100th anniversary celebration and references an inscription about the liberating power of books. The library is celebrated as a free and enriching resource that benefits everyone who enters.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=232.0,270.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/24","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Favorite Spot in the Library: The Rotunda","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=270.0,319.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/25","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker identifies the rotunda as his favorite area within the Central Library, describing its spiritual atmosphere and the sense of awe it inspires. He explains that the rotunda serves as a place for reflection and mental rejuvenation, allowing visitors to reconnect with the library’s higher purpose before continuing their exploration and work.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=270.0,319.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/26","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Fun Fact: The Coliseum Preceded the Central Library","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=319.0,348.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/27","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker shares an intriguing fact about Los Angeles: the city built a world-class stadium, the Coliseum, capable of hosting the Olympics before establishing a central library. He finds this surprising and reflective of the city’s unique priorities and character, offering insight into Los Angeles’s development and values.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=319.0,348.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/28","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Acknowledging Influential People and Librarians","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=348.0,416.512"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675/index/92482/annotation/29","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker acknowledges the many individuals who have contributed to the library’s success, mentioning specific names such as John Szabo and Christina Rice for their impactful work. He discusses the qualities required to be a librarian, highlighting the importance of public service, the ability to connect with people, and a deep understanding of the library’s mission. The role of librarians is portrayed as meaningful and unique within the community.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172763/file/311675#t=348.0,416.512"}]}]}]}