Ole Edvart Rølvaag emigrated from Dønna to the USA in the late 1800s. There, he wrote several novels about emigrating from Norway and being an immigrant in the USA during that time. At the Dønna exhibition, you can learn more about the author’s life and work and see the complete collection of Ole Edvart Rølvaag’s first editions.

The exhibition at Dønna Library is beautifully set up with information about the author’s upbringing in Dønna, his journey to the USA, and his life as an emigrant and immigrant. It provides an interesting glimpse into a time when life in Norway could be hard, while the American Dream shone brightly with the promise of land and wealth in the distance.

Ole Edvart Rølvaag (1876-1931) came from humble beginnings in Dønna and emigrated to America at the age of 20, where he became a professor and author. He is best known for the novels he wrote about Norwegian settlers in the USA, which have earned him an important place in both Norwegian and American literary history. He also worked diligently to preserve the Norwegian cultural heritage in the new country.

Rølvaag was also a co-founder and the first secretary of the Norwegian-American Historical Association in 1925.

Contact

Phone: +47 75052505
biblioteket@donna.kommune.no
Hjemmeside: donnabibliotek.no/
Facebook: donnabibliotek
Get directions: Open Google Maps

The exhibition is open within the library’s own opening hours.

Tuesday

10:00 am until 6:00 pm

Thursday to Saturday

10:00 am until 2:00 pm

Wednesday, Sunday and Monday
Closed

 

The library is located in the village of Solfjellsjøen on Dønna, right next to the sports hall and the primary and secondary school.

Find your way using Google Maps
Les mer om Dønna og reisen til Dønna

Thank you for respecting the local communities, and for helping us preserve the natural beauty of Helgeland!

Please:

  • Strive to leave no trace of your visit. Bring back all your rubbish, including used toilet paper, and discard it in the nearest rubbish bin.
  • Plan your toilet visits and use the opportunity when you pass a toilet. In the wilderness, make sure you are not a nuisance to others.
  • Respect the local wildlife. Keep a good distance from wildlife, livestock and birds. Keep your dog leashed.
  • Respect private property. Keep a respectful distance from houses and cabins.
  • Show good boating sense. Keep a good distance from shore and drive at a low speed, especially when you are close to anyone or anything on the water, including birds or animals. Avoid loud and disturbing engine noise. Be aware that some islands and nature reserves are important nesting sites, and that going ashore is prohibited during the nesting season.
  • Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code (Fjellvettreglene). Plan your excursion according to the weather forecast, your skills and experience.
  • Join a guided excursion or consider hiring an experienced guide, especially when you don’t have sufficient experience or knowledge to guarantee a safe trip.

Dønna

Dønna is the largest island in Helgeland. Here you will find lofty peaks, fjords teeming with fish, food straight from the cultural landscape, and a rich cultural history.

Read more about Dønna

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