Addressing nearly 700 registrants, writer Alex Kotlowitz kicked off PLA’s Spring Symposium at today’s Opening General Session. Kotlowitz began his speech by paying tribute to librarians, noting how he admired them for being “custodians of our nation’s stories.” The importance of telling stories, especially during difficult periods in history, was a dominant theme in Kotlowitz’s remarks. In his view, the act of telling a story is one “of hope and social criticism,” and that all storytelling is sparked by “the notion that something is amiss.” He went on to note that this is not an easy time to be a social critic, remarking on the nation’s fascination with wealthy celebrities, as well as the predominance of “bullying” non-fiction writers who are “more interested in being listened to rather than listening.” In spite of this trend, Kotlowitz said he still found solace in the nation’s tradition of justice, fairness, and equity, and the need to continue to strive toward these ideals.

Kotlowitz spoke of how his own writing is fueled by the desire “to tell history from the perspective of the bottom up, from the losing end.” He observed that he often revels in his outsider status when he tells other’s stories, as it forces him to listen to his subjects more attentively and grants him a perspective they might not have. Kotlowitz argued that non-fiction writing teaches readers more about their relationship with the world, and that the best non-fiction writing “will evoke empathy, not sympathy.” This writing continues to challenge him, he said, as it is both “constrained and liberated by facts.” Throughout his speech, he related some of his favorite stories that he had come across during his career. He spoke of his father-in-law, a “classic Chicagoan who constantly reinvented himself;” as well as the evolving relationship between the owner of a west-side Soul Food restaurant and his cook, a former gang member.

After his speech, Kotlowitz answered questions from the audience. He gave an update on Lafayette and Pharaoh, the subjects of “There Are No Children.” He remains close with both men and speaks to them on a weekly basis, but preferred not to give detailed information on their lives out of respect for his friendship with them. He spoke of the art of storytelling, and how non-fiction writers have the difficult task of helping their subjects make sense of their stories and must be willing to spend time in communities that aren’t their own.

Kotlowitz was joined on the dais by PLA President Clara Nalli Bohrer, PLA Executive Director Greta Southard, and BWI President John Hayes. -Reported by Brendan Dowling