PRESS RELEASE - City Public Library Announces Participation in One Book, One Coast Reading Event

City joins more than 100 West Coast libraries in regional effort

April 3, 2026 PORT TOWNSEND – The City of Port Townsend is thrilled to join the inaugural One Book, One Coast initiative, the largest library book club on the West Coast. Over 100 libraries throughout Oregon, Washington, and California will gather from April 1 to May 31 to read a shared book together. The program aims to unite libraries by celebrating literacy, learning, community, and civic discourse.

This year’s book selection is They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. This bestselling graphic memoir recounts Takei’s experiences in Japanese incarceration camps during his childhood.

Key Events:

Book Discussion: Thursday, May 28 at 6:00 – 7:00pm at the Port Townsend Library
George Takei Livestream on YouTube: Sunday, May 31 at 2:00 pm at the Port Townsend Library

“Our Library is deeply honored to be a bigger part of an inaugural movement of public libraries to unite many communities across the West Coast through the shared experience of reading and discussing George Takei’s powerful and timely graphic memoir,” said Melody Sky Weaver, Community Service Director.

The concept of a shared read may sound familiar to City Library patrons. The Port Townsend Public Library has been facilitating a community reading program for 21 years. The City is excited to offer this additional opportunity for the community to gather and read with other libraries to promote conversations that span across states.

Readers of all ages are encouraged to come to the Port Townsend Public Library this spring to learn more and join in this new community reading initiative. There are several copies of the book available for circulation and a limited number of free copies of the book will be available on a first-come first-served basis. There are also ebook copies available on Libby and Hoopla.

# # #