Page Turner

Since American presidents, past and present, are newsworthy this month, why not visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum to see Norman Rockwell’s portraits of presidents and the country they governed--and peruse the gift shop’s books?

In “Presidential Anecdotes” (Oxford University Press), author Paul F. Boller Jr. quotes Abraham Lincoln’s response to a reporter’s harsh treatment: “I have endured a great deal of ridicule, without much malice, and have received a great deal of kindness, not quite free from ridicule. I am used to it.”

Biographer Mason Locke Weems, however, practically deifies George Washington, calling him a demigod who possessed every virtue.

On a more contemporary note, television journalist Leslie Stahl covered the White House during the Carter, Reagan and Bush presidencies. In “Reporting Live” (Simon-Schuster), she writes that Carter was one of the most accessible presidents with 59 full-fledged news conferences, many brief ones and countless interviews. His aides considered this exposure a mistake.

“Reporters took to calling him the Little Peanut; cartoonists drew him as a little kid in a big chair, then nothing more than a row of protruding teeth,” Stahl said. So much for accessibility.

Meanwhile, for a glimpse of some past presidents, also-rans and first ladies, check out Rockwell’s exhibit. It’s wordless but speaks volumes. Through May 9, at 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 522-8444.

HAPPENINGS

Today from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Adventures for Kids observes Black History Month with readings of children’s books by African-American authors. Refreshments. 3457 Telegraph Road, Ventura, 650-5962. At 2:30 p.m., Michael Connelly introduces his newest novel in the Harry Bosch series, “Angels Flight,” at Barnes & Noble, 4735 Commons Way, Calabasas, (818) 222-0542.

Monday at 7:30 p.m., Jane Bay discusses and signs her memoir, “Precious Jewels of Tibet: A Journey to the Roof of the World,” at Borders Books and Music, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159.

Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., Teddy Cobert, author and originator of “The Living Wreath,” speaks at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, 581-2714. At 7:30 p.m., Joyce Spizer, a private investigator and author of the Harbor Pointe mystery series, will speak at the monthly meeting of the Ventura County Writers Club. Spizer and her husband, Harold, have worked on cases involving movie stars, mobsters and millionaires. She has parlayed career experience in law enforcement and the judicial system into profitable fiction and gives publishing and marketing tips. At Borders Books and Music, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159.

Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m., children’s book illustrator Ashley Wolff will introduce her new picture book, “Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day of Kindergarten.” She will sign books and share some of the 100-day activities at Adventures for Kids, 3457 Telegraph Road, Ventura, 650-9688.

Thursday at 7:30 p.m., public defender and poet Michael Schwartz will give a reading at Kelly’s Coffee and Fudge Factory, 533 E. Main St., Ventura, 641-9951. This will be the first literary reading at Kelly’s. More events are planned.

Friday at 7 p.m., Gary Krane will discuss and sign “Simple Fun for Busy People” as part of the Authors for Families Program co-sponsored by LA Parent. At Barnes & Noble, 4735 Commons Way, Calabasas, (818) 222-0542.

Saturday at noon, William F. Nolan will sign “Sharks Never Sleep,” the latest in his “Black Mask Trilogy,” which uses Erle Stanley Gardner as the fictional narrator. Nolan will draw a character in each book he signs. Reservations recommended. At Phantom Bookshop, 451 E. Main St., Suite 9, Ventura, 641-3844. At 2:30 p.m., Linda McCoy-Murray, widow of Times sports columnist Jim Murray, discusses and signs “Jim Murray: The Last of the Best,” a compilation of 90 of his best columns. At Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 446-2820.

Catch you next week.