This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
LONGMONT, Colo. – On April 29, the Longmont Public Library will be rolling out the red carpet for young, up-and-coming local author, Dorje Dolma, as she leads the day’s festivities celebrating children, books, and diversity. Dolma, local author of the upcoming book Yak Girl, will speak and share stories of her incredible journey from the most remote parts of Nepal to growing up in Boulder.
Dolma was born in the remote Dolpo region of Nepal, high in the mountains bordering Tibet, the oldest of 11 children, only six of whom survived the harsh conditions of their lives. Dolpo had no running water, electricity, motor vehicles, phones, school, or Western medicine doctors. When she was 10-years-old, Dolma's parents took her on a month-long trek to Kathmandu to find help for a serious health condition. There they encountered Westerners who arranged to bring Dolma to the United States and get her the surgery she needed to save her life. Adopted by her new American family, Dolma eventually graduated from CU-Boulder with a degree in Fine Arts and worked as an early childhood teacher in Boulder. Hers is a story that will forever change you.
The Library’s second annual “Día – Diversity in Action” program is an American Library Association-sponsored holiday that evolved from the traditional Mexican holiday of “El día de los ninos/El día de los liblos” or “Children’s Day/Book Day.” Picture-book author, biographer, poet, educator, and bilingual literacy advocate Pat Mora is generally credited with importing the Mexican holiday to America and introducing it as a library initiative more than 20 years ago. As the holiday has gained traction, it has also evolved into a more general push for diversity in literature for children and young adults and has emphasized inclusion of underrepresented groups and cultures. The Longmont Library’s celebration has similarly expanded beyond its original Latino roots, and this year’s featuring of Dolma’s story from Nepal embodies that broader direction.
“Día – Diversity in Action” will be held on Sunday, April 29, from 2:30 to 4 pm at the Library, 409 4th Ave. Treats and craft projects will follow Dolma’s presentation. Advance registration is not required, and this is a family event suitable for all ages.
This is a news release issued by the Longmont Public Library and is published here as a public service.
