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Photo of de Gelder standing shirtless on a rocky beach in front of the ocean.

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Malibu Library Speaker Series: Paul de Gelder

In-Person Program

2022-10-11 19:00:00 2022-10-11 20:30:00 America/Los_Angeles Malibu Library Speaker Series: Paul de Gelder An elite Australian Navy diver who lost two limbs in a horrific shark attack that changed his life, Paul de Gelder now inspires others to overcome obstacles and champions shark conservation. Malibu Library - Meeting Room

Tuesday, October 11
7:00pm - 8:30pm

Add to Calendar 2022-10-11 19:00:00 2022-10-11 20:30:00 America/Los_Angeles Malibu Library Speaker Series: Paul de Gelder An elite Australian Navy diver who lost two limbs in a horrific shark attack that changed his life, Paul de Gelder now inspires others to overcome obstacles and champions shark conservation. Malibu Library - Meeting Room

Malibu Library

Meeting Room

An elite Australian Navy diver who lost two limbs in a horrific shark attack that changed his life, Paul de Gelder now inspires others to overcome obstacles and champions shark conservation.

The Malibu Library Speaker Series presents shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder at Malibu Library on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 7 pm. Registration is required. Register online or call Malibu Library at 310.456.6438.

An elite Australian Navy diver who lost two limbs in a horrific shark attack that changed his life, Paul de Gelder now inspires others to overcome obstacles and champions shark conservation. He has been a long-time co-host on the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. Triumphing over tragedy by relying on the mantra that he learned as a young paratrooper in the Australian Army, “Improvise…Adapt…Overcome,” Paul has enthralled and motivated audiences around the world.

In his earlier days, de Gelder chased adventure wherever he could find it. In 2000, he joined the military, rising to the elite echelons of the Australian Defence Forces as an Army paratrooper and Navy bomb disposal diver. But in February 2009, trouble hunted him down in the form of a giant bull shark. Attacked while diving for the Navy in Sydney Harbor, he was pulled out of the water barely alive. He lost an arm and a leg and embarked on an extraordinary journey of healing, rehabilitation, and renewal. He later told his story and shared the life-changing lessons gained from his experience in his inspiring autobiography, No Time for Fear.

In the years since the shark attack, de Gelder's life has changed in every aspect. After leaving the navy, he has traveled the world as a top motivational speaker, passionate environmentalist, adventurer, and mentor to school kids. Sharing an adventurous life journey where he “faced pretty much the worst that life can throw at me, and survived and thrived,” de Gelder enthralls, captivates, and leaves audiences motivated to overcome any challenge.

This event will take place at Malibu Library. Registration is required. Register online or call Malibu Library at 310.456.6438.

Since 2013, the Malibu Library Speaker Series, a program of the Malibu Library, part of LA County Library, and the City of Malibu, has featured experts, authors, and other notable figures discussing a wide range of subjects, including the entertainment industry, literature, science, motivation, the arts, education, sports, travel, food, and the environment.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Lectures & Conversations | Entertainment |

TAGS: | |

Malibu Library

Phone: 310.456.6438

Hours
We're closed Friday July 04
Mon, Jun 30 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jul 01 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jul 02 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jul 03 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jul 04 Closed
Sat, Jul 05 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jul 06 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

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.
 

Upcoming events

Wed, Jul 09, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Meeting Room
A landmark novel about quiet heroism, Claire Keegan's "Small Things Like These" was a New York Times bestseller, shortlisted for The Booker Prize and won the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction. For adults.

Thu, Jul 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
Preschool storytime at Bluffs Park. For ages 2 - 5.
Register

Fri, Jul 11, 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.

Wed, Jul 16, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Meeting Room
Celebrate the Summer Discovery Program with a program presented by our MākMō librarian who will lead an activity inspired by artist Wassily Kandinsky and learn about synesthesia by "drawing music." For ages 5 -12.

Thu, Jul 17, 11:00am - 11:30am
Meeting Room
Families will sing, move, and play child-friendly instruments together. For children ages 0 - 3 and their caregivers.

Fri, Jul 18, 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.

Fri, Jul 18, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Join us at Malibu Equestrian Park for an afternoon of relaxing open-air painting. Follow instructions to create your own masterpiece. All materials provided. Beginners welcome! We will meet at the picnic tables next to the arena. For adults.

Wed, Jul 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
Discover the nature that is all around us! Take a walk through Legacy Park with a City of Malibu naturalist. We'll start at Malibu Library and finish with a short storytime in the park. For ages 2 – 10 with parent or caregiver.
Register

Thu, Jul 24, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room
The library is recommending bucket hats and big t-shirts with joyful tie dye designs created by you as sun protection. It's all the rage! For teens ages 13 – 17.

Fri, Jul 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.

Wed, Jul 30, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Meeting Room
Learn about the biology and engineering behind spider webs. Using your knowledge of spider engineering, create and test the strength of your own web using a paper plate and other materials! For kids ages 5 – 12.

Thu, Jul 31, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meeting Room
Duct tape is a highly versatile and durable material. Learn about its history and make yourself a water bottle holder to keep your water handy and stay hydrated during the hot summer months! Part of Summer Discovery Program. For ages 13 - 17.