Laura Romo Rivera de Crespo Toral (Baños, March 28, 1916 – Quito, February 2011) was a renowned Ecuadorian librarian and cultural figure. She served as the director of the National Library “Eugenio Espejo” for over six decades, from 1945 to 2008, playing a key role in preserving Ecuador’s literary heritage. As a founding member of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, she contributed to the growth of the library’s collection and was a trusted source of knowledge for Ecuadorian intellectuals. Her dedication to literature and culture left an enduring legacy in the country.
Early Life and Education
Laura Romo Rivera de Crespo Toral was born on March 28, 1916, in Baños, Ecuador, and grew up in Quito. From a young age, she demonstrated a deep love for books and a keen intellectual curiosity. Though specific details about her formal education are not widely known, Romo’s early exposure to cultural institutions laid the groundwork for her lifelong commitment to Ecuador’s literary heritage. She began her career at the Casa de Montalvo in Ambato, where her work in promoting Ecuadorian culture prepared her for the prominent role she would later play in the nation’s cultural development.
Literary Career and Contributions
In 1944, Romo joined the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana (CCE), founded by Benjamín Carrión, becoming an integral part of Ecuador’s most significant cultural institution. Initially a librarian, she quickly proved herself to be indispensable, and in 1945, she was appointed director of the National Library “Eugenio Espejo” in Quito. This marked the start of a remarkable 63-year career, during which she oversaw the expansion of the library’s collection from just 200 books to over 150,000 volumes, including significant national archives like the works of Dr. Eugenio Espejo and the Jesuit library collection. Her influence on the preservation of Ecuador’s literary history was immeasurable.
Throughout her tenure, Romo’s office at the CCE became a gathering place for Ecuador’s leading intellectuals, including Jorge Carrera Andrade, Alfredo Pareja Diezcanseco, and César Dávila Andrade. She was not only known for her extensive knowledge of Ecuadorian literature but also for her extraordinary memory and ability to provide bibliographic information with precision. Scholars and artists consulted her on various projects, and she was instrumental in supporting research by prominent figures such as Paulo de Carvalho-Neto and Ricardo Descalzi.
Romo’s work was a testament to her alignment with Benjamín Carrión’s vision of a “patria grande,” or a greater homeland, fostering cultural growth through literature and intellectual collaboration.
Personal Life
Laura Romo married Jorge Crespo Toral, a renowned political thinker, lawyer, and poet from Cuenca. Crespo, known for his work in politics and social justice, shared Romo’s deep intellectual and cultural interests. He was involved in human rights advocacy and served as the leader of the Confraternidad Carcelaria del Ecuador, a Christian organization dedicated to prison reform, for the last 32 years of his life. Together, Romo and Crespo formed a partnership that combined literature, activism, and intellectual pursuit.
The couple had one son, Santiago Crespo Romo, who inherited his parents’ love of books. Santiago recalled his mother as a person of great humility, warmth, and generosity, who placed her love of books at the service of others, fostering a nurturing environment for both her family and the broader literary community.
Legacy and Recognition
Laura Romo de Crespo’s contributions to Ecuadorian culture are lasting and profound. Her meticulous work as the director of the National Library ensured that Ecuador’s literary history was preserved and made accessible to future generations. In recognition of her dedication, the National Library’s section of national authors was named in her honor. Her influence extended beyond the library walls, as she became a beloved figure among scholars, writers, and readers who relied on her extensive knowledge and warm guidance.
Romo inspired tributes from some of Ecuador’s greatest artists and writers. A sculpture of her by Jaime Andrade won the National Sculpture Prize, and César Dávila Andrade composed the poem Canción para una bella distante in her honor. Even after her death, her impact continued to be celebrated, with intellectuals such as Jorge Dávila Vásquez and Paúl Hermann reflecting on her legacy in La Casa magazine.
Death and Posthumous Tributes
Laura Romo de Crespo passed away in February 2011 at the age of 94. Her passing was deeply mourned by Ecuador’s literary and cultural communities. In the months following her death, La Casa magazine paid tribute to her life and work in a special issue (No. 75), celebrating her immense contributions to Ecuadorian culture. Romo was affectionately remembered as the “fairy godmother” of readers, and her vast knowledge, grace, and generosity left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy endures through the many individuals she helped and the cultural treasures she worked to preserve.
Videos
Video of the “Eugenio Espejo” National Library
Variations of name
- Laura Romo de Crespo
- Laura Romo Rivera de Crespo Toral
- Laura Romo Rivera
References
- El Comercio, “Laura Romo de Crespo dejó huérfanos a sus libros.” Retrieved on October 9, 2024. Click to view.
- La Hora, “Libro de Jorge Crespo Toral se presenta en la PUCE.” Retrieved on October 9, 2024. Click to view.
- El Comercio, “Laura Romo de Crespo.” Retrieved on October 9, 2024. Click to view.
- El Comercio, “Laura Crespo Toral.” Retrieved on October 9, 2024. Click to view.
- El Comercio, “Libro de Jorge Crespo Toral se presenta en la PUCE.” Retrieved on October 9, 2024. Click to view.
- El Comercio, “Columna de Gonzalo Ortiz sobre Jorge Crespo Toral.” Retrieved on October 9, 2024. Click to view.