One Book, One Coast Programs Explore Stories of Japanese American Incarceration and Resistance

This spring, The Seattle Public Library (SPL) is participating in the first-ever One Book, One Coast program – the West Coast’s biggest club.

More than 190 library systems, including more than 50 in Washington state, are encouraging millions of library readers to read and discuss the graphic memoir “They Called Us Enemy,” by George Takei. “They Called Us Enemy” tells the story of the actor and activist’s imprisonment as a child within American concentration camps during World War II.

In April and May, SPL is hosting One Book, One Book programs that highlight local organizations and authors that explore the history of Japanese American incarceration and resistance, and related themes. Through this shared reading experience and enriching programs, communities are invited to explore themes of identity, patriotism, family, loyalty, and resilience while strengthening connections through dialogue and learning.

How to find a copy of “They Called Us Enemy” – including unlimited e-book copies

SPL cardholders can access George Takei’s book in several ways. SPL is already offering unlimited digital copies of “They Called Us Enemy” through Hoopla. Starting this week, you can access unlimited digital copies of the e-book version in English and Spanish through OverDrive and Libby. You can also, of course, place holds on physical copies of the book in our catalog.

One Book, One Coast programs at SPL

• One Book, One Coast: Densho - Looking Back and Looking Ahead. Saturday, April 4, from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. In honor of Densho's 30th anniversary, founder Tom Ikeda and Executive Director Naomi Kawamura will showcase Densho's oral history archives, and explore how their work has changed over the last 30 years and why it's more important than ever. Densho is a Seattle-based, nationally known nonprofit that documents the testimonies of Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II before their memories are extinguished. Registration is required.

• One Book, One Coast: Frank Abe discusses "Literature of the Japanese American Incarceration." Wednesday, April 8, from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. Writer, historian and editor Frank Abe (coauthor of the graphic novel “We Hereby Refuse”) will lead a conversation about an anthology that compiles nearly 70 selections of fiction, poetry, essays, memoirs, and letters that tell a shared story of the struggle to retain personal integrity in the face of increasing dehumanization. Registration is required.
• One Book, One Coast: Tamiko Nimura discusses "A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter's Return to Tule Lake." Tuesday, May 5, from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. Seattle author Tamiko Nimura will discuss her newly published memoir, a deeply affecting account of reckoning with a father’s death and the Japanese American incarceration. She will be in conversation with UW Professor and author Shawn Wong and Caitlin Oiye Coon, a Yonsei whose family was also at Tule Lake. Registration is required.
• One Book, One Coast: George Takei Event Watch Parties. Sunday, May 31, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Central Library, Greenwood Branch, Southwest Branch, online. As the culmination of the One Book, One Coast shared reading initiative, join us at several Library locations or online for watch parties of a livestream event with George Takei, actor, activist, and author of “They Called Us Enemy.” The discussion will explore his memoir, what it means to be a good neighbor and citizen in the face of overwhelming challenges, and how shared books and stories build stronger communities. Takei will be in conversation with LA County Librarian and Director, Dr. Skye Patrick and Long Beach Public Library Director Cathy de Leon. Registration required for the online program.

Find out more about SPL’s participation in One Book, One Coast at www.spl.org/OBOC. A full list of participating library systems can be viewed at LACountyLibrary.org/oboc. SPL’s One Book, One Coast program is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation.

One Book One Coast is similar in concept to Seattle Reads, SPL’s annual citywide book group, which started in 1998 and has been replicated around the world. The Seattle Public Library is planning to celebrate Seattle Reads in the fall of 2026.

About “They Called Us Enemy” and George Takei

Published in 2019, “They Called Us Enemy” is a New York Times bestselling graphic memoir that recounts actor/author/activist George Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. It reflects on civil liberties, democracy, and what it means to be American — both historically and today.

About The Seattle Public Library

The Seattle Public Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and empower community.

Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information. Find out more about our future plans at www.spl.org/StrategicPlan.