A Storytelling Celebration of Black History, Literature : Adventure for Kids hosts a charismatic reader who will entertain children with African American tales.

The observance of a special period to recognize the achievements and contributions of black citizens dates from 1926. The celebration first lasted a week, but since 1976, the entire month of February has been designated Black History Month.

Adventures for Kids has chosen Monday, a school holiday, to host the charismatic storyteller Len Cabral, who will entertain children with African American stories. Cabral will begin his performance at 3 p.m. in the bookstore, 3457 Telegraph Road, Ventura.

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John Eggler, professor of history at Santa Barbara City College, will discuss the work of Latina writers at 1 p.m. Saturday in Ventura Bookstore, 522 E. Main St. His talk will include a preview of a writer’s workshop that Ana Castillo, author of “My Father Was a Toltec,” will conduct Feb. 25 at Ventura College. Call 643-4069 for details.

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At 7 p.m. Saturday, Jeff Grimes of the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colo., will be at Ventura Bookstore to perform live short stories accompanied by sound and light.

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Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 4360 E. Main St., Ventura, is planning two weekend events. At 2 p.m. Saturday, career-planning expert Gary Grappo will present an interactive seminar based on his book “Get the Job You Want in 30 Days.” And Yolanda Fintor and Carla Henry will serve samples of recipes from their “Souper Skinny Soups” cookbook at 11 a.m. Sunday.

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Bostonian Linda Barnes, whose sixth mystery novel, “Hardware,” again features private investigator Carlotta Carlyle, will sign at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

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There are certain creatures in the world whose appearance always inspires an ugh reaction. And bats are high on the list. However, these amazing flying mammals have been unfairly maligned in literature and film. Kris Mashburn, who has studied bat behavior, will set the record straight at a Friends of the Camarillo Library lecture at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Adolpho Room, Camarillo Library, 3100 Ponderosa Drive.

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Elizabeth Ridenour, director of Illusions Children’s Theater Company, will perform for youngsters at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Ojai Table of Contents, 208 E. Ojai Ave.

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Thomas Perry, author of the Edgar Award-winning novel “The Butcher’s Boy,’ will read from “Vanishing Act,’ his new thriller about a woman who helps people disappear, at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Ventura Bookstore, 522 E. Main St.