There’s something profoundly touching about how a simple story can evoke a whirlwind of emotions. For example, in just three minutes, a StoryCorps video can move me to tears one moment and have me chuckling the next, reminding me of the shared humanity we often find in the narratives of strangers.

It’s truly wonderful to think about the power that stories hold in our lives. For example, I deeply appreciate documentaries and podcasts because they offer us intricate glimpses into the human experience through storytelling. Arguably, documentaries can be more elaborate at times, especially if produced by powerhouses like Netflix or HBO, which could potentially favor sensationalism over individual subjects. True crime documentaries, in particular, often face the issue of the narrative becoming larger than the victims involved, which is problematic. However, when done correctly and ethically, documentaries can be a beautiful way of telling an individual’s story.

For example, the documentary Flee is an adult animated documentary film directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen. It follows the story of a man under the alias Amin Nawabi, who shares his traumatic past of fleeing his home country of Afghanistan to Denmark for the first time (Shapiro et al., 2022). The film is beautifully animated and depicts Amin’s past and present. The presence of a factual narrative intertwined with anonymity allows the individual to feel safe in retelling such displacement and trauma. As for the viewer, they are not being told a story of a refugee but rather, as Nawabi puts it, a story of ” a circumstance of life” (Shapiro et al., 2022).

Nawabi’s story is truly remarkable, and sharing it with others creates a connection that words alone cannot express. Without establishing a safe space for Nawabi to share his experiences on his own terms, humanity would miss out on such a beautiful narrative. In essence, powerful stories, especially those shared in public spaces, require safe environments to be told.

Another medium for stories is podcasts. Podcasts, like documentaries, are no stranger to overshadowing their subjects in favor of ratings, but they remain a powerful tool for storytelling nonetheless.

The podcast This is Actually Happening, hosted by Whit Missildine, stands out as one of my favorite nonfiction podcasts due to its unique format, which removes external influences and places a strong emphasis on personal storytelling. Each episode begins with the host posing an intriguing question related to the guest’s experience, setting the stage for a deeply personal narrative.

What makes this podcast especially compelling is that the guests are given the freedom to express themselves without interruptions. The host is not present throughout the episode, which allows the story to flow naturally, encouraging the listener to focus on the guest’s thoughts and feelings. This approach fosters an intimate atmosphere and allows subjects to be the primary voices in their stories, ensuring that their perspectives and emotions are front and center. There is also a certain amount of anonymity, such as name changes and omitted information for privacy concerns. Overall, it’s a powerful platform for authentic expression and understanding in the realm of true crime storytelling.

Now, within the context of libraries, why are stories powerful?

Libraries have a beautiful legacy as nurturing spaces for storytelling, particularly for children who are discovering the world through books. However, it’s important to recognize that these spaces also provide invaluable support for adults. They create safe environments where we can explore and reflect on our own stories, helping us process our experiences and emotions. Through various events, discussions, and workshops, libraries invite us to connect with ourselves and each other, reminding us that we are not alone in our journeys.

For instance, the Storycorps DIY (2024) initiative provides resources and training to help libraries effectively document and preserve the personal stories of their community members. By offering guidance on best practices for storytelling and audio recording, StoryCorps empowers libraries to create a platform where individuals can share their unique experiences and histories in a safe environment. This not only helps to enrich the library’s collection but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging within the community. Additionally, these stories are shared with the public, which can help others cope with similar circumstances. For example, StoryCorps features various interviews with individuals dealing with grief. Listening to others who have faced such dark moments in their lives can be profoundly impactful.

Ultimately, whether through visual storytelling like documentaries or auditory experiences in podcasts, stories have the unique ability to resonate deeply with us, reminding us of our shared humanity and the importance of connection.

References:

Shapiro, A., Bior, A., Handel, S., & Levitt, M. (2022) ‘Flee’ creators on being a refugee: It’s not an identity, it’s a circumstance of life. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/03/21/1087606916/flee-film-documentary-oscars-sundancefilmfestival-refugees

Missildine, W. (Host). (2013-present). This is actually happening [Audio Podcast]. Wondery. https://wondery.com/shows/this-is-actually-happening/

StoryCorps. (2024, November 12). About StoryCorps DIY. https://diy.storycorps.org/about/