One Book, One Coast (OBOC) is multi-state reading initiative that celebrates literacy, learning, community, and civil discourse.
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.
We’re joining the West Coast’s largest book club!
Downey city library is proud to be part of One Book, One Coast 2026, the largest community reading program on the West Coast that is bringing more than 130+ library systems across California, Washington, and Oregon for one shared read.
This year we’re reading They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, a powerful graphic memoir exploring patriotism, family, identity, and what it means to be American.
They Called Us Enemy is a graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American incarceration camps during World War II. Confronting questions of patriotism, family, loyalty, and community, George's work is a stunning examination of what it means to be American, both long ago and today.
Check our Library Catalog & ComicsPlus for copies
Don’t have a Downey City Library card? Visit us and get yours today!
Author Talk with George Takei
Sunday, May 31, 2:00 – 4:00pm
East Los Angeles Library, 4837 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Contact: (323) 264-0155
To help us close out One Book, One Coast, there will be an author talk and book signing with George Takei on Sunday, May 31 at East Los Angeles Library. George will sit down for an interview with LA County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick and Cathy De Leon, Director of Long Beach Public Library.
Register for the in person author talk: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/15930131
Can’t make it to the event but would like to participate? Register for the Livestream. (Link will be live on May 31 on YouTube)
Program Spotlight
Table-Top Role Playing Game Club
Step into a world of storytelling, strategy, and shared adventure at the Downey City Library’s Tabletop RPG Club. Led by veteran Game Master Mark Shocklee, this ongoing program is designed for all experience levels, whether you're creating your first character or continuing a seasoned campaign.
Collaborate with fellow players, explore imaginative settings, and shape unforgettable stories together.
📅 Every other Wednesday
⏰ 5:00 – 7:30 PM
🔞 Ages 18+
Registration is required. Registration will open 2 weeks prior to the next session.
틈 Teum
For Our next Korean culture-related book club 틈(Teum) in April, we are going to read <The Forest of Stolen Girls> by June Hur.
The Korean word "틈" can mean a "brief period" or "moment". "틈" can also refer to an "opportunity" or "chance," suggesting a window or opening in circumstances that allows for action or change.
Space is limited - Sign up today! you’ll be contacted once a copy is available.
Simple craft and refreshments will be provided.
Turn the page, savor the moment
🌲Date : Saturday, June 13 2026
🏝️Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
🌎 Location : The Lab
📚Age : 18 and up
Board Game Club
Join fellow board game enthusiasts Gregory and Kristina Paul for an afternoon of fun and strategy at our Board Game Club! A wide variety of games will be available, including favorites like Codenames, Catan, Cascadia, King of Tokyo, and more! Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to board gaming, you’ll find something to enjoy.
Where: Cormack Room
Meets: One Saturday a Month at 2pm
For Ages 16+
Registration is required. Registration will open 2 weeks prior to the date
Adult Chess Club
Calling all chess enthusiasts! Every other Saturday, the Downey City Library will host the Adult Chess Club, led by local chess enthusiast Salman Mogaddedi! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, come sharpen your skills, learn new strategies, and enjoy friendly competition. This is the perfect chance to challenge yourself, meet fellow chess lovers, and have fun! Check out the club website to stay up to date
When: Every other Saturday, 11am - 1pm
Where: Cormack Room
For ages 18+
Registration is required in-person or by phone (562) 904-7360.
Check the calendar for the next upcoming sessions
Book Lover’s Club
Bring your lunch and join us in the Cormack Room for a discussion on a new book every month. New members are always welcomed and there is no cost to join.
Check out our calendar for more details about when the next discussion will take place and what books we’ll be going over.
Light refreshments will be served.
Registration is not required.
Club De Lectura
¡La biblioteca de la ciudad de Downey te invita a ser parte de nuestra discusión de el Club De Lectura en Español! Este programa es para lectores de 18 años en adelante y personas que hablen y lean en español.
Tendremos aperitivos y juntos crearemos un ambiente cómodo para discutir los temas que el libro nos ofrece. Siéntete libre de invitar a un amigo, familiar, vecino o conocido. ¡Será una entretenida conversación!
Consulte nuestro calendario para obtener más detalles sobre cuándo tendremos nuestra próxima discusión y qué libros repasaremos.
Theater Thursdays
Do you love watching movies and sharing your opinions? Then Theater Thursdays is waiting for you! Watch classics, discover new movies, and hang out with friends in the Cormack Room the last Thursday of each month for the Adult showing at 6pm.
Check out our calendar to see what movie’s we’ll be showing each month.
Reading Resources
Adult Communications Class
Whether it’s for career development, personal goals, or for fun, the library’s literacy programs helps English speaking adults improve their reading skills, think critically and provides individuals who want to give back to the community the ability to develop their mentoring skills through volunteer tutoring services.
Classes are given weekly. Check our calendar for the next date and ask the front desk for more details, or call the front desk at (562) 904-7366
Host A Club
Whether it’s discussing books, arguing sports, practicing yoga, playing video games, exchanging gardening techniques, or running Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, the Downey City Library is open for all community members who want an open and safe space to start a club.
If you’re interested in starting a group at the library, fill out the form and let us know what type of club you’d like to start at the library.