LA County Library will host a special One Book, One Coast author talk featuring acclaimed actor, author, and activist George Takei on Sunday, May 31, at East Los Angeles Library from 2 pm to 4 pm.

The event closes the largest book club on the West Coast and brings the community together for a powerful conversation centered on Takei’s graphic memoir, “They Called Us Enemy”.

Takei’s appearance represents a meaningful return to East Los Angeles, where he will engage with readers in a discussion about storytelling, history, and the importance of civic dialogue.

Due to overwhelming public interest, the event has reached capacity. Community members are encouraged to register for the live stream, which will start at 2 pm Pacific Time. Community members are encouraged to register for the livestream via Zoom.

Media are invited to cover the event in person and must RSVP in advance by emailing pio@library.lacounty.gov.

One Book, One Coast brings together nearly 200 library systems and partners across California, Oregon, and Washington in a shared community reading experience. The initiative is an expansion of LA County Library’s One Book, One County program and connects readers across the region through a single title.

This year’s selection, “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger, illustrated by Harmony Becker, recounts Takei’s childhood experience in U.S. incarceration camps during World War II. The memoir explores themes of patriotism, identity, and civil liberties, offering a timely opportunity for reflection as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

“As Angelenos explore their own intersections of immigration, cultural identity, and civil rights, library programs like One Book, One Coast, provide a unique opportunity for our communities to connect with the lived experiences of George Takei and others that continue to resonate today”, Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “Sharing our stories is powerful, and Los Angeles County is proud to create spaces where communities such as East Los Angeles can come together for meaningful dialogue that reflects on our shared history and helps guide us toward a more united future.”

“This is a special moment for our community as we welcome George Takei to East Los Angeles Library,” said Dr. Skye Patrick, County Librarian and Director of LA County Library. “His story is deeply personal, but it also speaks to our shared history. Bringing this conversation to East Los Angeles highlights our commitment to creating spaces where communities can come together to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue.”

“‘They Called Us Enemy’ is not just my story, it is part of our shared history,” said George Takei. “I’m honored to join readers at East Los Angeles Library and to be part of this effort bringing communities together across the West Coast. I look forward to a meaningful conversation about where we’ve been and what we can learn moving forward.”

By connecting readers across three states through one shared title, One Book, One Coast highlights the power of libraries to bring people together for conversation, reflection, and understanding.

For more information about One Book, One Coast, visit LACountyLibrary.org/oboc.

One Book, One Coast is made possible with the partnership and support of:

• Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
• LA County Library Foundation
• Japanese American National Museum
• The Claremont Colleges Library
• California Humanities
• California Library Association
• Densho
• Top Shelf Productions
• Penguin Random House
• Ingram Content Group
• Libby by Overdrive