Storyteller spices up July 4 event at Reagan Library

Historical storytelling programs will be featured at the Fourth of July Celebration event on Saturday at the Reagan Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. Two identical programs will be presented at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the Presidential Learning Center stage.

Jim Woodard, Ventura storyteller and writer, will tell the story behind the composition of the National Anthem. He will talk about a surprising event in the life of President Theodore Roosevelt and the most important action taken by President Abraham Lincoln. He will also draw parallels between Lincoln and President Barack Obama.

Woodard is the resident storyteller at the Reagan Library. He has received the George Washington Award for Excellence in Public Communications from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge for his historic and patriotic storytelling programs.

Other familyoriented activities are scheduled at the library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4.

The programmed events are open and free to the public. Viewing museum exhibits requires an admission fee.

For more information about the storytelling programs, call Woodard at (805) 6472720 or email storyjim@aol.com. For information on the library, call (800) 410-8354.