This spring, The Seattle Public Library is participating in the first-ever One Book, One Coast program – the West Coast’s biggest book club. Now, we’re excited to share the final details of the programs we have planned.
Through May, more than 190 library systems across California, Oregon, and Washington are encouraging millions of library readers to read and discuss the graphic memoir “They Called Us Enemy,” by George Takei, which tells the story of the actor and activist’s imprisonment as a child within American concentration camps during World War II.
Takei’s book and others that the Library is featuring in our One Book, One Coast programs explore very timely themes around patriotism, civil liberty, democracy, resistance, and the importance of documenting once-silenced histories. Please join us!
How to find “They Called Us Enemy” – including unlimited e-book copies
SPL cardholders can access George Takei’s book in several ways. SPL is offering unlimited digital copies of “They Called Us Enemy” through Hoopla. Starting now, you will can also 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 catalogue.
One Book, One Coast programs at SPL
SPL has planned a number of programs in April and May that highlight Seattle-area authors and organizations that explore stories about the Japanese American and Asian American experience. We are also hosting watch parties at three locations and online for a One Book, One Coast livestream event featuring George Takei on Sunday, May 31.
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, explore how their work has changed over the last 30 years, and why it’s more important than ever. Densho, a Seattle-based, nationally known nonprofit, 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: Scott Kurashige Discusses “American Peril.” Saturday, May 30, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. As part of the One Book, One Coast shared reading initiative, Kurashige will discuss his new book, “American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism,” about the long history of anti-Asian violence in America and how we can learn to build lasting solidarity. Registration is required.
One Book, One Coast: George Takei Watch Party. 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 for 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 the experiences that led to the creation of 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.
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.