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Author and ultramarathon runner Dion Leonard will discuss his book 'Finding Gobi: A Little Dog With a Very Big Heart'. For adults.
The Malibu Library Speaker Series presents author and ultramarathon runner Dion Leonard and his dog Gobi at Malibu Library on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 7 pm.
Leonard's book Finding Gobi is the miraculous tale of Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner who crosses paths with a stray dog while competing in a 155-mile race through the Gobi Desert in China. The lovable pup, who would later earn the name Gobi, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the Tian Shan Mountains, across massive sand dunes, through yurt villages and the black sands of the Gobi Desert, keeping pace with him for nearly 80 miles.
As Dion witnessed the incredible determination and heart of this small animal, he found his own heart undergoing a change as well. Whereas in the past these races were all about winning and being the best, his goal now was to make sure he and Gobi’s friendship continued well after the finish line. He found himself letting Gobi sleep in his tent at night, giving her food and water out of his own limited supply, and carrying her across numerous rivers, even when he knew it would mean putting him behind in the race, or worse, prevent him from finishing at all.
Although Dion did not cross the finish line first, he felt he had won something even greater – a new outlook on life and a new friend that he planned on bringing home as soon as arrangements were made. However, before he could take her home, Gobi went missing in the sprawling Chinese city where she was being kept. Dion, with the help of strangers and a viral outpouring of assistance on the internet, set out to track her down, and reunite forever with the amazing animal that changed his life and proved to him and the world that miracles are possible.
RSVPs required. Malibu Village Books will sell Finding Gobi at the event, and a book signing will follow the talk.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Lectures & Conversations | Books, Poetry, & Writing |
TAGS: | Author Talk |
Malibu Library, located in the Malibu Civic Center Complex, was established in 1970 by the County of Los Angeles Public Library. Prior to 1970, a bookmobile provided library service to the Malibu community serving residents in Topanga Canyon and along the Pacific Coast Highway.
On April 22, 2012, a grand opening celebration was held to mark the completion of a $6 million renovation of the Malibu Library, designed by the architectural firm of LPA, Inc. and funded by revenue generated from local property taxes.
The new sustainable, LEED-certified library has been redesigned to represent Malibu's sand, sea and sun culture with features such as:
-A replica of the Adamson House tile rug in the main lobby
-A photographic exhibit featuring historical images of the area
-The Children's area featuring a marine life motif, including an 8' by 14' porcelain tile art piece designed by artist Christine Nguyen
-A Teen area that embraces Malibu's surf culture.
