Events › Exploring the Japanese American National Library

Learn about the history, mission, and future of the Japanese American National Library (JANL), a community-based archive and library located in San Francisco's Japantown. This panel program will introduce JANL's origins and longstanding role in preserving Japanese American history, culture, and identity. 

Panelists will explore the breadth of JANL's collections, which include books, newspapers, photographs, and archival materials that document the experiences of Japanese Americans across generations. The discussion will also highlight the importance of preserving community stories, including materials not typically collected by traditional institutions. 

The program will conclude with a conversation about JANL's future, including efforts to expand its reach and adapt to the evolving needs of the community, followed by an opportunity for audience questions.

If this program sparks your curiosity, check out the rest of the One Book, One Coast series and deepen your engagement by reading They Called Us Enemy—a powerful story bringing Japanese American history to life through the deeply personal narrative at the heart of the series. Check it out in print or starting April 1, when unlimited digital copies of They Called Us Enemy will be available on both the Libby app and Hoopla platforms for San Mateo County Libraries cardholders—no holds or wait times required.

Explore more books and films about the Japanese American history that inspired this event in our One Book, One Coast staff list.