Book Club: George Takei's They Called Us Enemy

Wednesday, 4/22/2026
6:00 - 7:00
Mary Louise Stong Conference Room - 1st Fl
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

Discuss They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. This accessible and moving graphic memoir explores childhood, family, and the consequences of incarceration during World War II. Blending history with lived experience, the book invites readers to reflect on citizenship, democracy, and the importance of remembering past injustices. A compelling and thought-provoking read for readers of all ages.

Stretching from California’s southern border to northmost tip of Washington state, One Book, One Coast is a brand-new, multi-state community reading initiative that brings readers together around a shared book, sparking conversation, programs and reflection across the West Coast.

Our inaugural selection is They Called Us Enemy (2019), a graphic memoir by George Takei that recounts his childhood experience of incarceration alongside more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent, most of whom were U.S. citizens, following Executive Order 9066 in 1942. 

Read along March–May 2026 and join the programs and discussions it inspires.

Book Clubs

Read, discuss ideas and connect through the many book clubs hosted by SFPL.

History

Learn more about local history.

Japanese Interest

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Japanese community and culture.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.