YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch will be hosting a discussion with nationally acclaimed writer James Edward Mills on Friday, Oct. 4, from 4-5 p.m. at the Leggett building. Mills is the author of “The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors,” which is about how minority populations are less likely to utilize outdoor spaces, and shares the story of the first all-African American team of climbers who climbed North America’s highest point, Alaska’s Denali, in 2013.

The discussion as well as the question and answer session with Mills is free and open to the public. The discussion topic will be on the importance of diversity in the outdoors.

“The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors” has been recognized by Outside magazine as one of the most influential books on outdoor experiences during the decade of its release.

Mountain Shire Books will have copies of the book available for purchase at the event, which can be signed by Mills.

Snow Mountain Ranch is hosting this event as part of its own Diversifying Our Libraries project which, beyond purchasing books that reflect and connect with a wider range of audiences, includes programming such as book clubs and author events like this one.