Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable
contrast.
Participate in a film screening of Allegiance to honor George Takei's experience during WWII after reading his graphic novel "They Called Us Enemy" as part of One Book, One Coast.
Join the Largest Book Club on the West Coast this Spring!
One Book, One Coast brings together library systems across California, Washington State, and Oregon for 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 with physical copies of the book available to borrow as early as March 1 and unlimited digital copies of the eBook in English and Spanish available from April 1 through June 6 on the Libby app by Overdrive.
Key Dates for One Book, One Coast
April 1, 2026 – June 6, 2026: All participating systems will have unlimited digital copies of They Called Us Enemy available on the Libby app by Overdrive. Participating library systems will also feature programs and activities inspired by the book. Be sure to check with your library system to see what they have to offer!
May 16, 2026: Join us at the Berkeley Public Library for a film screening of ALLEGIANCE!
Allegiance is inspired by stories from actor George Takei’s life, specifically during World War II when Takei and his family, along with 120,000 Japanese and Japanese American citizens, were incarcerated in camps within the United States.
Run time: 130 minutes
May 31, 2026: One Book, One Coast will close this year’s reading program with a special author talk featuring George Takei. The event will be held in-person at East Los Angeles Library and will also be livestreamed on Zoom.
AGE GROUP: | Teens | Preteens | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Movies, Music & Performance | Cultural & Heritage | Community Event | Authors, Books & Writing |
Wheelchair accessible. Request sign language interpreter, real-time captioning, materials in large print, braille, or other accommodations by calling 510-981-6195 (Library) or the 510-981-6347 (City of Berkeley TDD line). Please refrain from scented products during public programs.
Many library programs are funded by the generous support of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. Thank you, Friends!
