The Bellingham Public Library and the Whatcom County Library System will join more than 190 libraries across California, Oregon, and Washington this spring for One Book, One Coast, the largest book club on the West Coast. See the full list of participating library systems at LACountyLibrary.org/oboc.
One Book, One Coast is a shared community reading program that celebrates literacy, learning, community, and civil discourse. All participating libraries will read and discuss They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker. Unlimited digital copies of the eBook will be available from April 1 through June 6.
The Bellingham Public Library will host an in-person discussion of the book on Saturday, May 30, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Visit our online events calendar for more information and see below for more One Book, One Coast events.
One Book, One Coast will close on Sunday, May 31 with a special author talk featuring George Takei that will be held in-person at East Los Angeles Library with a book signing to follow. The event will also stream live on YouTube beginning at 2:00 pm Pacific Time. Click here to register for the livestream. The link will be active at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31.
About They Called Us Enemy and George Takei
Published in 2019, They Called Us Enemy is a New York Times bestselling graphic memoir written by George Takei, Steven Scott and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker. The book recounts Takei’s childhood imprisoned within American incarceration camps during World War II.
George Hosato Takei was born on April 20, 1937. He is an American actor and author, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the television series “Star Trek.” Takei is also a proponent of gay rights and active in state and local politics apart from his continued acting career. He has won several awards and recognition in his work on human rights and Japanese-American relations, including his work with the Japanese American National Museum.
What about Whatcom READS?
While similar in concept, One Book, One Coast is not a replacement for Whatcom READS, which is presented by all the public and academic libraries in Bellingham and Whatcom County and community partner Village Books. Whatcom READS just completed its 18th season with programs celebrating this year’s featured book, Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora. For Whatcom READS 2026-2027 season, we are reading and discussing I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger.
One Book, One Coast Events
Bellingham Public Library
One Book, One Coast Book Talk
Saturday, May 30, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
SkillShare Space, Central Library
Join Adult Services Librarian Katie Bray in the SkillShare Space at the Central Library for an in-depth discussion of the graphic novel They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, the 2026 One Book, One Coast selection. Visit the Bellingham Public Library website after April 1, 2026 for more information about One Book, One Coast and events at other libraries.
Feature Event: George Takei presents They Called Us Enemy (Online)
Sunday, May 31, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Watch the livestream event from home! Click here to register for the livestream. The link will be active at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31.
Whatcom County Library System
Different Paths – Two Stories of the WWII Japanese-American Incarceration
Saturday, April 25, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Deming Library
Attend a presentation at the Deming Library featuring two unique stories from the Japanese American Incarceration during World War II. Gail Kuromiya shares about her father, Yosh Kuromiya’s book Beyond the Betrayal, The Memoir of a WWII Japanese American Draft Resister of Conscience. Sandy Fugami tells the story of James Kazuo Okubo a local man who volunteered to be part of the all-Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team in the US Army and was posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor. Through these personal stories, the audience will gain insight into this challenging time in history. Presenters will also give a brief overview of the Japanese American Incarceration during WWII and why keeping these stories alive continues to be important. Light refreshments and hot beverages provided.
Feature Event: George Takei presents They Called Us Enemy (In-person watch party)
Sunday, May 31, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Ferndale Library
Watch the livestream event with others at the Ferndale Library.
