{"@context":"http://iiif.io/api/presentation/3/context.json","id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/iiif/s756d5rp7q/manifest","type":"Manifest","label":{"en":["Central 100 Oral History - Eric Brightwell"]},"logo":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/200/original/lapl_logo.png?1628076950","metadata":[{"label":{"en":["Agent"]},"value":{"en":["Eric Brightwell"]}},{"label":{"en":["Date"]},"value":{"en":["2026-04-02"]}},{"label":{"en":["Format"]},"value":{"en":["MPEG-4"]}},{"label":{"en":["Keyword"]},"value":{"en":["Octavia Lab","Nobody Drives in LA"]}},{"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/000/311/663/small/open-uri20260602-3595221-8wg15s_1780440770.jpg?1780440773","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663","type":"Canvas","label":{"en":["Media File 1 of 1 - open-uri20260602-3595221-8wg15s.mp4"]},"duration":445.296,"width":640,"height":360,"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/311/663/small/open-uri20260602-3595221-8wg15s_1780440770.jpg?1780440773","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/content/1","type":"AnnotationPage","items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/content/1/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"painting","body":{"id":"https://aviary-p-lapl.s3.wasabisys.com/collection_resource_files/resource_files/000/311/663/original/open-uri20260602-3595221-8wg15s.mp4?1780440769","type":"Video","format":"video/mp4","duration":445.296,"width":640,"height":360},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663","metadata":[]}]}],"annotations":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["TheirStory Transcript (Paragraphs with Speakers) [Transcript]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eERIC BRIGHTWELL:\u003c/strong\u003e Hello, happy centennial, Central Library. I'm Eric Brightwell, I live in Silver Lake and have lived here since 1999. I am the explorer behind California Fool's Gold, the mapmaker behind Pendersleigh \u0026 Sons Cartography, and one of the hosts of the podcast Nobody Drives in L.A., which is recorded either at the Octavia Lab or the Koreatown Media Lab.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=0.36,33.04"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295/annotation/2","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eBRIGHTWELL:\u003c/strong\u003e I first discovered the public library on the 17th of August 1998, which I only know with such specificity because I wrote it in a diary on my first visit to Los Angeles. It was a road trip that I drove from Iowa City, where I went to college and then came to Los Angeles and then went up to Seattle and then back across back to Iowa. So it was one of the memorable stops on a very long road trip. Although I don't remember it that vividly. So I wrote down my notes—my diary just made like—I just jotted a few words, so I explored Venice, Melrose, Koreatown, Chinatown, and downtown with my friends Christian Martin, who was from Pomona and lived in Santa Monica at the time, and two other friends, Lily Marlene and Tasha Wheat.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=44.56,105.62"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295/annotation/3","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eBRIGHTWELL:\u003c/strong\u003e I took the subway that day. I don't remember a whole lot specifically about it, but I remember Grand Central Market being very empty back then. I remember going to a botanica on Broadway, and I remember walking down the Bunker Hill steps to the library, but not much more vividly beyond that.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=108.38,129.63"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295/annotation/4","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eBRIGHTWELL:\u003c/strong\u003e Some of my favorite memories of visiting the Central Library. I think one of my favorite memories is actually more recent. A couple years ago, I'd been trying to do the Nobody Drives in L.A. podcast, and I bought some equipment—and I'm not technically gifted, so I couldn't figure out if it was broken or if it was just me. And then I heard about the Octavia Lab. And so I put out a call on Reddit, and my co-host Kyle Rebar answered. And we came and we met in the little park area outside of the—well, attached to the library. And then we went to the Octavia Lab, and we took our course, and then we recorded our first conversation there, and that was what launched our podcast. And now we generally record there or in the Koreatown Media Lab.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=135.31,191.43"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295/annotation/5","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eBRIGHTWELL:\u003c/strong\u003e I mean, the Octavia Lab and the Koreatown Media Lab have supported the podcast immeasurably because otherwise we'd have to be recording in our homes or some professional podcasting space. But with Nobody Drives in L.A., we're big—or at least I'm a big proponent of public goods in general and public transportation being one, public libraries being another, public parks being another. So it was important to me that we record in a public space and to show that library resources sometimes are better than what you could hope to have on your own and better than, you know, private equipment—there's a helicopter flying over so we'll wait a second.—","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=196.89,253.125"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295/annotation/6","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eBRIGHTWELL:\u003c/strong\u003e All right. My favorite spot at Central Library. There are a few. There's the Octavia Lab. There's the map library where I used to—Glen Creason used to work there, who became a friend. And I mean, there's just so many interesting spots. I feel like every time you go to the library, you find new spaces. It's kind of like this Dickensian space where you're—there's secret rooms, and it's very dreamy. And I don't know, one of my favorites is the North vestibule of the Goodhue building, where there are the black marble and bronze sphinxes. It just has a vibe. And then there's the room with the rotunda, I believe, with all the card catalogs. And then there's the exhibits. And","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=259.14,312.466"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295/annotation/7","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eBRIGHTWELL:\u003c/strong\u003e the gift shop deserves a special shout out. Because the gift shop is, I mean, there are like three places that I go when I want to buy gifts for people out of town, and they're all book related. There's the Huntington Library, which has a great gift shop, the Central Library, which has a great gift shop, and then Skylight Books, where my friend curates the gifts. And so yeah, make of that what you will.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=314.42,344.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295/annotation/8","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eBRIGHTWELL:\u003c/strong\u003e I guess I'd say thank you to the L.A. Untangled crew for featuring me on an episode of their hit show L.A. Untangled. I'd say thank you to Vi for being instrumental in creating the Octavia Lab and Koreatown Media Lab. But really, thank you to everyone that works at the library, the security guards, the people at the checkout counter, the people in the gift shop. I mean, everyone's great at the library.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=347.88,382.25"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295/annotation/9","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eBRIGHTWELL:\u003c/strong\u003e Unfortunately, I don't think I have any fun facts about the Central Library, although, well, it's not it's not a—there used to be a cafe in the library and there's not anymore. And that's a fact. And they should bring that back because coffee and books are a great combination.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=385.89,402.33"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/transcript/94295/annotation/10","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eBRIGHTWELL:\u003c/strong\u003e And I think that's it. I don't really think I have anything else to add about the library except that I'm happy it's there. I'm happy that all the libraries are there. Oh, if you get a chance, you should—I told her that she needs to edit it together into a massive thing, but Katie Go did a—she visited all the libraries and and made little stories about them that were on her Instagram. I told her they need another place to live, but that's also really great, although it's not all Central Library. Bu","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=407.25,442.13"}]},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["Auto-generated Index (2026-04-02 22:59:20) [Index]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/11","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/172752/file/311663#t=0.0,44.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/12","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Eric Brightwell introduces himself as a resident of Silver Lake since 1999, sharing his roles as an explorer, mapmaker, and podcast host. He establishes his connection to Los Angeles and the Central Library, setting the context for his reflections and experiences.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=0.0,44.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/13","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"First Discovery of the Central Library and Early Memories","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=44.0,135.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/14","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker recounts their first encounter with the Central Library during a memorable road trip from Iowa City to Los Angeles. They describe exploring various neighborhoods with friends, taking the subway, and their impressions of downtown LA, including Grand Central Market and a botanica on Broadway. Although the memories are not vivid, the diary entry provides a snapshot of their early experiences.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=44.0,135.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/15","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Launching the Podcast and the Role of Octavia Lab","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=135.0,214.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/16","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Eric shares a recent favorite memory involving the launch of the 'Nobody Drives in LA' podcast. Facing technical difficulties, he discovers the Octavia Lab, connects with his co-host Kyle Rebar, and records their first episode there. The Octavia Lab and Koreatown Media Lab become essential resources for their podcast, providing public spaces and equipment that support their creative work.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=135.0,214.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/17","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Importance of Public Spaces and Library Resources","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=214.0,259.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/18","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker emphasizes their advocacy for public goods, including transportation, libraries, and parks. They highlight the significance of recording their podcast in public spaces, demonstrating that library resources can surpass private alternatives. This philosophy underscores the value of accessible, community-supported facilities.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=214.0,259.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/19","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Favorite Spots in the Central Library","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=259.0,313.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/20","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Eric describes several favorite locations within the Central Library, such as the Octavia Lab and the map library. He notes the library's labyrinthine nature, with secret rooms and dreamy atmospheres, and singles out the North vestibule with its marble and bronze sphinxes, the rotunda with card catalogs, and the exhibits as particularly memorable.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=259.0,313.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/21","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The Gift Shop and Places to Buy Gifts","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=313.0,347.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/22","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker praises the Central Library's gift shop, considering it one of the top places to buy gifts for out-of-town friends. He compares it favorably to the Huntington Library and Skylight Books, highlighting the importance of book-related gifts and the thoughtful curation found in these locations.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=313.0,347.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/23","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Acknowledgments and Gratitude","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=347.0,385.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/24","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Eric expresses gratitude to the L.A. Untangled crew for featuring him, acknowledges Vi for their role in creating the Octavia Lab and Koreatown Media Lab, and thanks all library staff, including security, checkout, and gift shop personnel. He recognizes the collective effort that makes the library a welcoming and supportive environment.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=347.0,385.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/25","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Fun Facts and Suggestions for the Library","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=385.0,407.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/26","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker shares a fun fact about the library's former cafe, lamenting its absence and suggesting its return due to the synergy between coffee and books. He also mentions Katie Go's project of visiting all libraries and creating stories, recommending that these stories be compiled and made more accessible.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=385.0,407.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/27","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Closing Remarks and Well Wishes","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=407.0,445.296"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663/index/92477/annotation/28","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Eric concludes by expressing his happiness about the existence of the Central Library and all libraries. He encourages others to check out Katie Go's library stories and wishes the Central Library a happy 100th anniversary, ending on a note of appreciation and celebration.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172752/file/311663#t=407.0,445.296"}]}]}]}