We have good news for Seattle readers! This spring, The Seattle Public Library invites you to take part in One Book, One Coast, a shared reading initiative connecting more than 140 library systems across California, Oregon, and Washington, including more than a dozen in Washington State alone.
Organized by LA County Library, One Book, One Coast will encourage millions of library readers to read and discuss “They Called Us Enemy,” the bestselling graphic memoir by actor/author/activist George Takei, who recounts his 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.
By connecting readers across three states through one shared title, One Book, One Coast highlights the power of libraries and stories in bringing people together for conversation and reflection, exploring a complex chapter of our nation’s history together through thoughtful and respectful dialogue. We hope you will join us!
Other Western Washington libraries participating in One Book, One Coast include Everett Public Library, King County Library System, Pierce County Library, and Tacoma Public Library. A full list of participating library systems can be viewed at LACountyLibrary.org/oboc.
How to find a copy of “They Called Us Enemy”
You can access George Takei’s graphic memoir in several ways. SPL is offering unlimited digital copies of “They Called Us Enemy” through Hoopla. You can place holds or see where physical copies of the book are located in our catalogue. E-book copies can be accessed through OverDrive and its Libby app. At a later date, SPL will also make unlimited digital copies of the e-book version in English and Spanish through OverDrive and its Libby app.
SPL’s One Book, One Coast programs
SPL is organizing a number of programs with Seattle-area authors that explore Japanese American incarceration and resistance, and other themes in Takei’s book. All Library events are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
- Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m.: Writer and historian Frank Abe, coauthor of “We Hereby Refuse” and former Library guest curator, will speak about “The Literature of the Japanese American Incarceration.” Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium
- Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m.: Tacoma creative nonfiction writer Tamiko Nimura will discuss “A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter Returns to Tule Lake,” her forthcoming memoir to be published on April 28, 2026. Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium
- Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m.: A West Coast livestream event with George Takei will close the One Book One Coast program. Look for more details and a link soon.
“I’m proud to live in Seattle, home to writers like John Okada and others working then and now through literature and graphic art to share the story of the forced removal of Japanese Americans from the West Coast,” said writer and historian Frank Abe about the program. “Through graphic novels like our own “We Hereby Refuse” from Chin Music Press and Mr. Takei’s book, we can unite as ‘One Coast’ to help readers understand this essential history so that we can avoid repeating it.”
SPL is planning additional One Book, One Coast programming, to be announced at a later date. Our One Book, One Coast program is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation.
About “They Called Us Enemy” and George Takei
Published in 2019, “They Called Us Enemy” is a New York Times bestselling graphic memoir by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker, which recounts Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II.
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.
What about Seattle Reads?
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. We look forward to celebrating Seattle Reads with you in the fall of 2026!