One Book, One Coast

One Book one coast logo with photo of George Takei
Text: One book, one coast with a setting sun and wave

Join The Largest Book Club on the West Coast

Join One Book, One Coast, a coast-wide reading program that unites libraries and communities across California, Oregon, and Washington through a shared book, conversation, and programming. 

Led by the Los Angeles Public Library, this year's selection is They Called Us Enemy — George Takei's graphic memoir about his childhood incarceration in American concentration camps during World War II. Through themes of family, identity, patriotism, and belonging, the book invites us to reflect on what it means to be American, then and now. 

Explore this year's selection, join the conversation, and attend free events near you. 

How to Find a Copy

Readers can find unlimited digital copies of "They Called Us Enemy" in the Libby app and in Hoopla.

Physical copies are also available at your local SJPL branch. 

Events

Author Talk with George Takei

Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Virtual or Livestreamed at King Library

Join our viewing party of East Los Angeles Library's author talk with George Takei at King Library or Virtually!

Events

Teens Reach Crafternoon: Make Your Own Zine

May 27th | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Join our monthly Teens Reach meeting where you can learn a craft, eat some snacks, chat about the library community, and learn how you can…

Gaman Art Workshop: Create Your Own Bird Pin

May 26th | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the history of Gaman Art—art created by Japanese Americans during World War II incarceration.
Book Cover of They Called Us Enemy by George Takei.

One Book, One Coast: Cambrian Mystery Book Club

May 27th | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Online Event
This month we will be discussing One Book, One Coast's They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

Beam Me Up, Sulu: Rediscovering a Lost Story Film Screening

May 30th | 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Join us for a screening of Beam Me Up, Sulu, a fascinating documentary that uncovers a long-lost student film featuring George Takei.…

Special Exhibit

One Book, One Coast Story Map

Available online year-round

Discover San José Japanese history through an interactive map with stops, photos, and stories. Created by the California Room.

Suggested Reads

SJPL Recommends: One Book, One Coast

SJPL is partnering with LA County Library for One Book, One Coast, a shared community reads program celebrating literacy and learning

One Book One Coast Lists

Graphic Novels to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

. Celebrate the voices and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, both in graphic novels and in your communities.

SJPL Picks: YA Multicultural Graphic Novels

These graphic novels highlight various cultures and subcultures of people, and showcase characters from various cultural backgrounds.

SJPL Picks: AAPI Voices in YA Lit

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the perfect time to amplify AAPI voices!

SJPL Picks: AAPI Voices

Amplify AAPI voices! While May is AAPI Heritage Month, you can enjoy these fresh publications from AAPI Authors any time of year.

Alexander Street One Book One Coast Collection

Library staff have created a playlist of movies related to Japanese incarceration.

Gale In Context: Japanese American Internment

Learn about the history of Japanese American Internment using Gale In Context which provides primary sources, biographies and more.
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