SSF Library Joins the West Coast's Largest Book Club
Published on April 08, 2026
This spring, South San Francisco Library invites the community to take part in One Book, One Coast, a shared reading initiative connecting more than 130 library systems across California, Oregon, and Washington.
As the largest book club on the West Coast, One Book, One Coast brings readers together around one book to create opportunities for conversation, reflection, and meaningful connection across neighborhoods, cities, and state lines.
South San Francisco Library and its partners will read and discuss They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger and illustrated by Harmony Becker. Physical copies of the book will be available to borrow as early as March 1 and unlimited digital copies of the eBook will be available from April 1 through June 6 on the Libby app by Overdrive and the Hoopla app. Through this shared reading experience, communities are encouraged to explore themes of identity, patriotism, family, loyalty, and resilience while strengthening connections through dialogue and learning.
How to Participate
Beginning April 1, community members may borrow physical copies of They Called Us Enemy from South San Francisco Library.
From April 1 through June 6, unlimited digital copies of the eBook in English and Spanish will be available through the Libby app by OverDrive and the Hoopla app.
South San Francisco Library will also offer free copies of the book, while supplies last, along with guides for coordinating a family book club and self-directed crafts to take home. Books and activities will be available in mid-April. Sign-up for our newsletter to get the latest updates.
Residents are encouraged to visit our website for more information.
About the Book
They Called Us Enemy is a powerful graphic memoir by George Takei that reflects on civil liberties, democracy, and what it means to be American — both historically and today.
Author Talk with George Takei
To close the program, George Takei will appear for a special author talk and book signing on Sunday, May 31 at 2 pm at East Los Angeles Library. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube, allowing readers across the region to participate together. Visit the SSF Main Library on Sunday May 31 to watch the livestream in the City Council Chambers or register to watch from home. Registration link.
Visit the library any time after April 15, to pick up your free copy of the book, while supplies last.
You can also place the book on hold and pick it up at any library in San Mateo County.
Visit other local libraries and participate in their programs too: