Pasadena Public Library Joins Multi‑State “One Book, One Coast” Reading Initiative

The Pasadena Public Library is participation in “One Book, One Coast” (Photo – PPL)

The Pasadena Public Library has announced its participation in One Book, One Coast, a new regional reading initiative uniting more than 140 libraries across California, Oregon, and Washington. The program encourages readers to engage in shared discussions, events, and reflections centered on a single book, creating a collective literary experience that spans the West Coast.

By News Desk

This year’s selected title is They Called Us Enemy, the acclaimed graphic memoir by George Takei. The book explores themes of resilience, racism, and democracy, recounting Takei’s childhood incarceration during World War II alongside more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent—most of them U.S. citizens—following Executive Order 9066. Its themes resonate strongly with communities throughout the region.

Pasadena Public Library has made the book widely accessible. Print copies are available for checkout, and digital versions can be found on ComicsPlus and hoopla. ComicsPlus offers English, Spanish, and an Expanded Edition with 16 pages of bonus material, all with no holds or checkout limits. Hoopla provides the same language and edition options, with each library card offering four checkouts per month.

“Pasadena is excited to join this multi‑state effort and help create a shared literary experience that crosses city and state borders,” said Library Director Tim McDonald. “By connecting our community to readers up and down the coast, we’re strengthening not only literacy, but also a sense of regional unity.”

Throughout May, Pasadena Public Library will host a series of free public programs inspired by They Called Us Enemy, including workshops, author talks, and community book discussions.

Upcoming Pasadena Public Library Events

A Reader’s Guide to They Called Us Enemy
Saturday, May 16
3:00 pm
Lamanda Park Library
140 S. Altadena Dr.
Author and historian Susan H. Kamei will provide historical context for Takei’s memoir and discuss lessons from Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Sponsored by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library.

Community Book Discussions

Allendale Book Discussion Group
Saturday, May 9
10:30 am
Allendale Branch Library
1130 S. Marengo Ave.

Online Book Group
Saturday, May 23
10:30 am
Held via Zoom. Registration available at this link.

Linda Vista Book Discussion Group
Saturday, May 30
11 am
Linda Vista Branch Library
1281 Bryant St.

Culminating Author Event with George Takei

The One Book, One Coast initiative concludes with a special Conversation with Author George Takei on Sunday, May 31, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the East Los Angeles County Library, 4837 E. 3rd St.

The event opens at 1:00 pmwith book sales, resource booths, art displays, a selfie station, and snacks. At 2:00 pm, Takei will join Los Angeles County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick and Long Beach Public Library Director Cathy de Leon for an author conversation, followed by a book signing from 3:00 – 4:00 pm.