Rudyard Kipling once wrote, “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”

Stories have a direct line from the heart to the brain, allowing us to feel something first so we remember it later.

The Lake Oswego Public Library is determined to strengthen this connection with its fourth annual Festival of Words set for this weekend, November 8-9. Events are designed to entertain and teach you how to entertain. All events are held at the Lake Oswego Public Library 706 Fourth Street, unless otherwise noted. Here’s the lineup:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Friends of the Library Book Giveaway. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Begin with stories on the printed page by selecting a free book at the library’s Booktique, 3975 Mercantile Drive, #225. 503.699.9109.

Are We There Yet? 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Award winning recording artist and master storyteller Anne-Louise Sterry will engage children of all ages with her stories and music.

Step into Storytelling-Learning to Entertain Family and Friends with Stories. 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is a hands-on workshop to free your inner narrator complete with tools and techniques compliments of popular storytellers Ken Iverson and Anne Rutherford.

Story Swap. 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Put what you’ve learned or already know into practice—share your favorite travel story. Emceed by Ken Iverson.

Flying in the Wind: Tales of Adventure, Travel and Dreams. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. See where three master storytellers can take you! Ken Iverson, Anne Penfound and Anne Rutherford will take you on a wild ride.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Train Travels with Terry. 1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. All aboard the imaginary train with local storyteller Terry Jordan as your conductor. This interactive journey is aimed at preschoolers but everyone is welcome.

Artful Storycatching. 2:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Let artist and writer Carole DeMar help you capture your own story through guided memoir writing and mixed media art. Registration required: 503.675.2540.

Storytelling Matinee with Storyteller Habiba Addo. 2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Get immersed in stories from another culture while you learn more about your own.

Storytelling Matinee with Storyteller Julie Strozyk. 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Do a little time travel as Strozyk shares traditional, mythological and epic tales from early cultures.

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