For four decades, storyteller Diane Wolkstein has kept alive the oral tradition of telling tales to adults and children in Central Park. And in recognition of her 40-year storytelling crusade throughout New York City’s parks, Mayor Bloomberg has proclaimed Friday, June 22 as Diane Wolkstein day. Ms. Wolkstein is a storyteller in the Homeric tradition. With words and expressions she tells animated tales ranging from the spiritual to the epic. Her work began in 1967, when she heard a rumor there were storytellers in Central Park. She explored the park for herself, but found no one telling stories. She joined the city’s Department of Parks & Recreation, and launched a storytelling program that offered parents and children the spoken word twice a day, five times a week. Four decades later, Ms. Wolkstein has told tales in most parks throughout New York City, including parks in Bedford-Stuyvesant, and in Morningside Park.

The first story she read aloud was “Peter Rabbit,” which she acknowledges was a complete disaster. She quickly switched to folktales, which she finds more immediate, emotional, and engaging. “Storytelling is an expression of who I am and my intention to bring understanding and courage that we each may live the potential of our spirit,” she said.

Ms. Wolkstein is currently working on a tai chi story, a Chinese Genesis tale that begins with the words: “Opening the inner gates of the universe ….” Throughout her career, Ms. Wolkstein has authored more than 20 books of folklore, including “The Magic Orange Tree,” “Other Haitian Folktales,” and “Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth.” Ms. Wolkstein’s storybook themes range from spiritualism to the self and the universe. Most of the stories she tells in the park come from her books and deal with how people relate to one another.

Ms. Wolkstein became enchanted by storytelling as a child when her mother told her stories at night. And there were other stories, too, that captured her imagination: “The rabbi at the neighborhood synagogue told short, pithy stories.” Ms. Wolkstein recalled that her mother’s stories “were entertaining and reassuring,” while the rabbi’s stories were “riveting.”

The art of the story can be enjoyed every Saturday this summer at 11 a.m. (June through September) at the statue of Hans Christian Andersen, where Ms. Wolkstein’s storytelling legacy will continue. She will appear this Saturday at the CelebrateStory Festival, which will also feature 20 internationally and nationally known storytellers, musicians, and other artists, who will share stories from the American Indian, European, African, and Asian traditions, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “International Stories” — for adults and older children — can be heard at the statue of Hans Christian Andersen at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue, while “Stories for Families” will take place at the James Michael Levin Playground at 76th Street and Fifth Avenue. And don’t forget, it’s B.Y.O.B, (bring your own blanket). For more information, visit www.celebratestory.com.