Reza Jalali Contributed photo

The Camden Public Library, partnering with Connecting Across Communities: An Immigrant Support Network, will present a new series of programs that will explore the immigrant experience in Maine.

The first online talk in the series will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, with Reza Jalali, executive director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center.

Jalali’s presentation will explore the 400-year history of immigration to Maine, with a focus on the changing face of the state as a result of recent immigrants. To request a Zoom link to attend, email jpierce@librarycamden.org.

A noted writer, educator, immigrant advocate, and former refugee from Iran, Jalali is a longtime Maine resident. Jalali’s advocacy experience includes leading delegations to refugee camps in Turkey and Bosnia as well as participating in a 1992 national delegation to the White House to discuss the plight of Kurdish refugees fleeing Iraq.

Jalali’s upcoming book, “Dear Maine,” co-authored with Morgan Rielly, tells the stories of 20 new Mainers. The book will be available in September.

The immigration welcome center is a nonprofit organization that serves as a hub of collaboration that strengthens the immigrant community through language acquisition, economic integration, and civic engagement.

For more information on this and other library programs, visit librarycamden.org.