St. John the Baptist Parish Library’s continuing “Meet the Author” series is to host local author Valerie Boudreaux Batiste, author of “Informed, Transformed, Empowered to be an Impact.”

Born and raised in Gramercy, Boudreaux-Batiste is believed to be the first African-American female author to write and publish a book.

A stirring work of inspiration, this book is a candid account of her life detailing the many obstacles and difficulties she endured while growing up in St. James Parish.

The author married at age 15, dropped out of school and later returned to earn her G.E.D. at age 47.

A work of divine inspiration, “Informed, Transformed, and Empowered to be an Impact” was written over a 20 year period.

“The book is really how God can change a person’s life,” she said.

Boudreaux Batiste will be at the St. John Central Library in LaPlace, May 21 from 6–7 p.m. to read from, discuss and sign her new book.

For further information, call 985-652-6857.