News
My Boodja, My Turtle Dreaming
My Boodja, My Turtle Dreaming by Joanne Parfitt was specially created for a new Acknowledgment of Country wall to welcome visitors to the State Library and provide a deeper understanding of the land we live on.
News
3 September 2024
The State Library is thrilled to welcome a new library among the now 233 public libraries of Western Australia. Piara Waters Library (City of Armadale) officially opened its doors to the community on Monday 2 September 2024.
Better Beginnings Family Literacy Community Grants are for community groups and libraries that help promote literacy in 0-5 years old and empower families to read, talk, sing, write and play with their child every day. The final round of grants is now open and will close on 30 September 2024.
Stories
Photographic treasures from the Kimberley
WA history
Photographs from the Kimberley, taken by Charles Edward Flinders from 1920 -1936.
Memories from Port Hedland
Aboriginal stories
Born in 1942, Kariyarra woman, Ann Sibosado recalls family, growing up in Port Hedland and memories of her childhood. Excerpt from an oral history of Ann "Nanna Ann" Sibosado that was conducted by twelve-year-old Jeliaha Councillor.
Stories
June 2024 marks 100 years of 6WF and ABC Radio Perth. Find out more about this important moment in Western Australian history and discover the fascinating origins story illustrated with material held in the State Library’s collection.
Exhibitions
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Unpick the often-mistold history of ‘camel men’ and their social, cultural and economic contribution to Western Australia. Delve into the origins of South Asian migration to Australia in the late nineteenth century and learn about the adventurers who built a life against the odds.
Cherished Family Mementos from the Collection
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The Keepsake exhibition examines why mementos and everyday objects often hold the key to family history and ultimately shape who and how we identify ourselves. Showcasing cherished family moments from the State Library’s collection.
Pro Photography WA
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Photography exhibition revealing the finalists in the second annual Ilford Orloff Awards. Named after one of Western Australia’s pioneering photographers, Izzy Orloff, the Awards celebrate the best in contemporary professional photography across the State.
Upcoming events
RTR Fundraiser
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Some of the state’s finest musical talents dig into unseen film archives from the State Library, showcasing WA's incredible history and composing brand-new soundtracks for the footage, to be performed live at Camelot Cinema, Mosman Park.
for Bright Young Things
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An array of events including theatre, dance, early childhood activities, music, film, literature, visual arts and creative hands-on activities for children aged 0 – 12 and their families.
Getting started
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Do you want to find out about your family history and don’t know where to start? Let us help you at one of our free and friendly talks at the State Library and we’ll show you.
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Monthly on the last Wednesday, 2 - 4pm until Wed 18 Dec 2024
The Storylines project connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the State Library of WA's heritage, history and photographic collections.
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Weekly on Monday, 10:30am - 12pm until Mon 9 Dec 2024
Interactive story fun for pre-schoolers and their carers. Followed by a half hour Play Time where families can explore literacy and learning through reading, talking, singing, writing and playing together.
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Weekly on Friday, 10:30am - 12pm until Fri 6 Dec 2024
Songs, rhymes and stories for babies and their families, followed by an hour of Play Time to help develop early literacy and learning skills.