Lanier Library will welcome Linda Ragsdale, acclaimed author and peace activist, to the library at 10 a.m. on Saturday for the last of the library’s Summer Family Programs series. 

Ragsdale will read from her new book, “The Peace Dragon,” which will be released on Sept. 18. 

“The Peace Dragon” is a tale of compassion and kindness told from the perspective of young Sherwyn, an explorer who discovers a dragon and learns that one cannot judge a book by its cover.  It is an allegorical story that aims to inspire empathy, hope and peace. 

The book is named for The Peace Dragon organization created by Ragsdale in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack that killed her friends and left her severely wounded.  Her global peace education project encourages children and adults to see the world through love and to celebrate people’s differences. 

Linda has shared her Peace Dragon message in schools, libraries and workshops, and was featured in a TEDx talk.

Like most Lanier Library programs, Saturday’s event will be free and open to all, thanks to a Kirby Fund grant from the Polk County Community Foundation.

– Submitted by Clare O’Sheel