What's On
Exhibitions
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Crow Baby tells the story of Daisy, born of two spirits – one crow and one human, who must live between two worlds. Embark on a journey into the heart of First Nations storytelling in this exhibition of picture book artwork by acclaimed author and illustrator, Helen Milroy.
A Taste of WA Brewing History
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Explore WA’s rough and tumble relationship with beer. From pre-colonial fermentation and the earliest homebrews to the mighty Swan Brewery taking on the world, the stories and objects in this exhibition chart entrepreneurialism, activism, bitter rivalries and social change.
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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.
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The Sketchbook Project invites young people across WA to share their personal stories, thoughts, artistry, and passions by filling out a small sketchbook. As part of the 2024 Youth Week WA KickstART Festival and Propel Youth Arts WA.
Past/Present Future
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Utilising photographs from Storylines, the exhibition provides examples of Aboriginal architecture and design from the late 19th century to the present to showcase the unique skills and practices steeped in cultural knowledge.
Cherished Family Moments 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.
Upcoming Events
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Weekly on Friday at 10:30am
Songs, rhymes and stories for babies and their families, followed by an hour of Play Time to help develop early literacy and learning skills.
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Calling all writers looking for creative inspiration in primary sources. Writers will receive an overview and guide to researching government archives and State Library collections.
Indonesia Screen Program
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Discover the rich diversity of contemporary Indonesian film, documentary, animation and television in this unique film festival presented in cooperation with Indonesiana TV.
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Weekly on Monday at 10:30am
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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Monthly on the last Wednesday at 2:00pm
The Storylines project connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the State Library of WA's heritage, history and photographic collections.
Workshops and events
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Tone List and the State Library present a series of free workshops in the 'Night School' program and performances that will offer new ways of engaging with music, sound and performance.
with Chet Van Duzer
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In this lecture, map expert Chet Van Duzer will examine changing ideas about the Indian Ocean from classical antiquity to the eighteenth century, focusing on how those changes are reflected in maps.
Film Screening
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In a touching journey of self-discovery, identity and connection, Afghan refugee and photographer Muzafar Ali discovers that Afghans have been an integral part of Australia for a 160 years. Q&A following the film with Muzafar Ali and Director Jolyon Hoff.
Live and Local 2024
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Join us for one of Australia’s most loved forums for literature, ideas and storytelling. A selection of headline events will be live-streamed to the State Library.
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.
Cherished Family Moments from the Collection
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Join us for the Keepsake exhibition opening and a panel conversation that asks us to consider the meeting points of science, literature and art and how they shape our collective humanity.
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A weekend of FREE comic celebrations for the whole community! Local and international comic book professionals share their knowledge for creators, readers and educators. On Sunday, a showcase of over 80 comic book creators sell their work.
Awards, Grants, Fellowships & Projects
Information on Battye Fellowships, Premier's Book Awards, scholarships and Library Board awards.
Find out about available community, public library and Better Beginnings Grants.
Corridors of Blissterday winning submission is by Sze Tsang, who releases music under the name Samarobryn,