One Book, One Coast Selection: “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei (Photo – LA County Library)
Almost 200 West Coast libraries have selected the graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy by George Takei as the featured title for their One Book, One Coast public reading program in April and May 2026. You can count many San Gabriel Valley branches among them.
By Melanie Hooks
Below is a sampling of activities designed to help readers engage with and better understand this seminal work. For more information, check your local library system’s events calendar or contact your neighborhood branch. Los Angeles County Library also offers a deeper look at the program on its website.
The Graphic Memoir
They Called Us Enemy is a graphic memoir in which actor, author, and activist George Takei recounts his childhood incarceration in American concentration camps during World War II. Addressing questions of patriotism, family, loyalty, and community, the book offers a powerful examination of what it means to be American—both in the past and today.
Alhambra Library
Stop by the first floor to create a short comic based on a family story, a moment of courage, a migration story, or an exploration of identity. Leave your work on-site to help build a community story wall. All supplies are provided.
Visit the table next to the computer stations on the first floor to get started, now through May 2nd.
L.A. County Library Programs
March 1, 2026: Physical copies of They Called Us Enemy become available at participating libraries.
April 1 – June 6, 2026: Participating systems will offer unlimited digital copies of the book through the Libby app by OverDrive. Libraries will also host programs and activities inspired by the memoir. Check with your local system for details.
Author Talk with George Takei
To close out One Book, One Coast, LA County Library will host an author talk and book signing with George Takei on Sunday, May 31, at East Los Angeles Library. Takei will be in conversation with LA County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick and Cathy De Leon, Director of Long Beach Public Library.
Sunday, May 31, 2026: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Author Talk with George Takei Location East Los Angeles Library and Streamed Live on YouTube Register here.
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