One Book, One Coast
One Book, One Coast is the largest book club on the West Coast, with over 140 participating library systems. By connecting readers across California, Oregon and Washington through one shared title, One Book, One Coast highlights the power of libraries and stories in bringing people together for conversation and reflection.
2026 Selection
The 2026 One Book, One Coast selection was “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker.
Published in 2019, “They Called Us Enemy” is a New York Times bestselling graphic memoir which recounts 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.
George Hosato Takei was born on April 20, 1937. He is an American actor and author, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the television series “Star Trek.” Takei is also a proponent of gay rights and active in state and local politics apart from his continued acting career. He has won several awards and recognition in his work on human rights and Japanese-American relations, including his work with the Japanese American National Museum.
Programs and Events
As part of One Book, One Coast, we hosted programs with Seattle-area authors that explore Japanese American incarceration and resistance, and other themes in Takei’s book.
We also hosted a live-stream event with George Takei.
About One Book, One Coast
One Book, One Coast is a shared reading initiative connecting more than 140 library systems across California, Oregon, and Washington. Led by LA County Library, One Book, One Coast highlights the power of libraries and stories in bringing people together for conversation and reflection.
A full list of participating library systems can be viewed at LACountyLibrary.org/oboc.