One Book, One Coast
2026 One Book, One Coast
The Everett Public Library would like to invite our community to participate in One Book, One Coast, a shared reading initiative connecting over 140 library systems in California, Oregon, and Washington. In forming the largest book club on the West Coast, this program brings together readers around one book to create opportunities for conversation, reflection, and meaningful connection. The book selected is "They Called Us Enemy" by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker.
The Everett Public Library will have physical and digital copies of "They Called Us Enemy" available for patrons. We will also be hosting a series of events at both the Main Library and Evergreen Branch. These events will culminate in a livestreamed author talk with George Takei from the East Los Angeles Library on Sunday, May 31. Registration for the livestreamed event can be found here. For more information about One Book, One Coast events and other libraries participating, follow this link.
About the book
“They Called Us Enemy” is the true story of George Takei and his family being incarcerated in prison camps during World War II. It is also the story of the political climate that allowed more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent, most of whom were United States citizens, to be sent to these camps. It goes on to depict how these childhood experiences led Takei to become an actor and social justice activist. These stories are told in graphic novel form through the excellent, engaging artwork of Harmony Becker.
Visit us in person to check out a copy, or place one on hold here. There are also unlimited eBook editions available here.
About the author
George Takei is an actor, author, and activist. Best known for the role of Hikara Sulu on Star Trek, Takei has gone on to become an outspoken advocate for social justice, marriage equity, and human rights. He is also chairman emeritus and a trustee of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.
Everett Public Library events
Friday, May 15 from 3:30-4:30 PM: In honor of George Takei’s role as Lieutenant Sulu on Star Trek, LEGO® Engineers will be featuring a spaceship-themed design challenge. This program is for youth ages 6-12 with an adult, and DUPLO® Bricks are available for ages 3-6.
Saturday, May 30 from 2:30-4:00 PM: Join us for a screening of the documentary To Be Takei at the Main Library. This film examines the life of George Takei, from childhood incarceration in a prison camp to pop cultural icon.
Get more information about library programming on the May Events Calendar.