Author Abdi Nor Iftin shares his story at Dirigo Speaks, August 9 at the Bangor Public Library. Credit: Jeff Kirlin | The Thing of the Moment

More than 120 people gathered at the Bangor Public Library on August 9 to hear Somali immigrant-turned-author Abdi Nor Iftin read excerpts from his recently released book, and share insights from his experiences. Iftin celebrates four years in the U.S. this weekend.

Author Abdi Nor Iftin shares his story at Dirigo Speaks, August 9 at the Bangor Public Library Credit: Jeff Kirlin | The Thing of the Moment
Members of the audience listen. Credit: Jeff Kirlin | The Thing of the Moment
Members of the audience ask author Abdi Nor Iftin questions. Credit: Jeff Kirlin | The Thing of the Moment
A full house at the Bangor Public Library Credit: Jeff Kirlin | The Thing of the Moment
Members of the audience get their copies of ‘Call Me American’ signed by author Abdi Nor Iftin. Credit: Jeff Kirlin | The Thing of the Moment

Thank you to the Bangor Public Library for hosting Dirigo Speaks, the Maine Multicultural Center for sponsoring this event, and to Briar Patch Books for bringing boxes and boxes of books!

Dirigo Speaks is an event series of the Bangor Daily News, presenting conversations throughout the year with civic leaders, changemakers, artists and business leaders shaping Maine’s future.