San Francisco, CA — San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) invites readers across the Bay Area to participate in One Book, One Coast, a groundbreaking, multi-state community reading program uniting libraries across California, Oregon and Washington. The inaugural selection, They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, will anchor a series of conversations, programs and events from March through May 2026. 

Designed to connect communities through shared reading, One Book, One Coast is the largest regional book club initiative of its kind on the West Coast, bringing together more than 140 library systems and hundreds of participating locations. The initiative was conceived and launched this year by Los Angeles County Library. Participating library systems include large urban systems such as San Diego Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, Multnomah County Library in Portland, Oregon and Seattle Public Library. Additionally, a total of 10 Bay Area library systems are taking part in One City, One Book, which include Alameda County Library, San Jose Public Library, San Mateo County Libraries, Burlingame Public Library, Hayward Public Library, Mill Valley Public Library, South San Francisco Public Library, Daly City Library, Sunnyvale Public Library along with San Francisco Public Library. 

They Called Us Enemy is a powerful graphic memoir that recounts Takei’s childhood experience of incarceration during World War II, when more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes under Executive Order 9066. Through a deeply personal lens, the book explores themes of civil rights, identity and the enduring impact of injustice. 

“This spring, we’re inviting readers across San Francisco to do something they’ve never done before: take part in a mega-sized book club. One Book, One Coast creates an opportunity for readers to come together to reflect on a pivotal moment in American history,” said Lori Talarico, SFPL’s Adult Engagement Coordinator. “This shared reading experience highlights the power of storytelling to foster empathy, dialogue and understanding.” 

Throughout the spring, SFPL will host a wide range of free, public programs inspired by the book, including a panel discussion focusing on historical research resources, film screenings and book clubs. One Book, One Coast culminates in a special virtual event featuring author George Takei on Sunday, May 31, in conversation with LA County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick and Cathy De Leon, Director of Long Beach Public Library. 

One Book, One Coast celebrates the role of libraries as spaces for connection, learning, and civic engagement. By uniting readers around a single title, the initiative aims to spark conversations that extend beyond the page and into communities across the region. 

For more information, a full schedule of events and how to participate, visit sfpl.org/one-book-one-coast.