The 16th president of the United States comes back to life Friday, Feb. 25 at Ventura College.

The new Library and Learning Resources Center is hosting the event, the first fund-raiser to be held there since its opening in Jan. 2005. In a recent press release, Simon Waltzer, professor of English and speech and chair of the Ventura College Library Committee, explained why the event was organized.

“Our aim is to explore what life was like for most people in Lincoln’s time – between the years of 1820 and 1860,” said Waltzer. “By exploring daily life, including family, work, culture, spiritual and religious life in those times, we seek to better understand our nation and ourselves.”

Featured this month because of Lincoln’s birthday, “Lincoln in the Library” introduces professors, faculty and actors to the roles of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Edgar Allen Poe, and Abraham Lincoln, among many other important figures from the mid-19th Century. The fund-raiser, beginning at 8 p.m., will benefit the Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Library. Organized by Waltzer in consultation with professional actor Lou Dauber, the event is sure to be a success, said Peter Sezzi, Ventura College Librarian who will be portraying Edgar Allen Poe.

Abraham Lincoln will be portrayed by Tom Katsis, a professional actor from the Midwest, and Dean of Liberal Arts and Learning Resources, Dr. Diane Moore, will be portraying Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Other faculty and staff members will be playing important roles of inspirational leaders during that time. There will be authentic artifacts, clothing and photos from the period, and the Stephen Foster Revival Band will be performing authentic period music.

Sezzi said that in researching his role as Edgar Allen Poe, he found that Lincoln actually knew of Poe, and even memorized his famous poem “The Raven.” The event has been a big hit at other venues such as Loyola Marymount University. He hopes students and faculty will be eager to attend.

“It’s going to be the best thing ever,” said Sezzi. “I think it would be a fun experience to see the faculty and staff try on new skins (as performers).”

Tickets for are sold at the door, for $10 and $8, call (805) 805-654-6462 for more information.