Join us for a virtual program with John Noltner as he speaks about his book "Portraits of Peace", the photographs, and the people. John's photography exhibit will be held at the Main Library from August 31 - September 30.

Frustrated with an increasingly polarized social landscape, award-winning photographer John Noltner set out on a 40,000-mile road trip across the United States to rediscover the common humanity that connects us. He did so by asking people one simple question: “What does peace mean to you?” Through difficult conversations, gentle humor, and a keen eye for beauty, Noltner’s Portraits of Peace captures a rich collage of who we are as a nation.

Beautiful storytelling and captivating photography converge to offer a uniquely human and accessible examination of the social issues that most challenge us today, such as racial equality, immigration reform, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, freedom of religion, and tolerance. Through the real-world stories of ordinary citizens who choose, in the midst of difficult circumstances, to pursue healing, reconciliation, and community building, we discover a glimmer of hope that something better is possible.

Portraits of Peace offers a promising road map to a peaceful future as a pluralistic society.

John Noltner: Portraits of Peace