One Book, One Coast connects West Coast libraries through a shared read. This year's selection, They Called Us Enemy, by George Takei, is a graphic memoir about family, identity, and resilience. 

Join Hillsboro Public Library in May for programs and events celebrating the book and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month. The event culminates with a livestreamed author talk.

One Book, One Coast Celebration: George Takei
Livestreamed Event

Sunday, May 31 | 2 pm
Brookwood Library - Community Room

Gather at Brookwood Library to hear actor, activist, and author George Takei discuss his graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy in this livestreamed event in partnership with Los Angeles County Public Library. 

About the Author

George Takei is best known for his portrayal of Mr. Sulu in the acclaimed television and film series Star Trek. He's an actor, social justice activist, social media mega-power, New York Times bestselling author, originator of the role of Sam Kimura and Ojii-Chan in the Broadway musical Allegiance, and subject of To Be Takei, a documentary on his life and career.

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They Called Us Enemy is available in print and downloadable eBook.

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Programs & Events

Lunch & Learn | CivicUs: What Does It Mean to Be a Citizen? with Prakash Chenjeri
Friday, May 8 | 12 – 1:30 pm | Shute Park
What does democracy really mean? Explore its history, ideas, and challenges, and how to participate in democracy locally and nationally. Bring your lunch!

What Does It Mean to Be American? with Chisao Hata
Tuesday, May 19 | 6 – 7:30 pm | Brookwood
This conversation explores what it means to be “American,” examining identity, belonging, and inclusion through discussion and nonverbal activities. Participants will share personal and community perspectives on who is included in “We the People.”

Lunch & Learn | When History Repeats Itself: A Japanese-American Family’s Story
Thursday, May 21 | 11:30 am – 1 pm | Shute Park
Marleen Wallingford shares her family’s experience during World War II, when her father and uncles were removed from their high school and incarcerated at the Portland Livestock Exhibition Center before being sent to Minidoka, Idaho. Through personal storytelling and historical context, the talk reflects on wartime incarceration and how fear and suspicion of immigrants continue to echo today. Bring your lunch.

AANHPI Month Celebration: Portland Taiko
Saturday, May 30 | 10:30 –11:30 am | Brookwood
Join us to celebrate the end of AANHPI Month and the culmination of One Book, One Coast with an interactive performance from Portland Taiko. Experience the art of Japanese drumming.