The State Library of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of Country throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to land and culture.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present. The Library is honoured to be located on Whadjuk Country, the ancestral lands of the Noongar people.

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What's new

New stories, collections, updates and more.

 

Looking at a book in the Leah Jane Cohen Reading Room

How to search the catalogue

A goldmine of books, maps, films, photos, posters, archives and ephemera. 

Get Connected

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Join the Library

Sign up online. Membership gives you free access to apps, eBooks, audiobooks, collections items and electronic resources.

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Online eResources

Access free apps, books, audiobooks, magazines, music and newspapers online.

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Storylines

Reconnecting Indigenous culture and heritage collections to communities, families and individuals.

JS Battye Library Reference Desk on Level 3

Plan Your Visit

Make the most of your visit. See hours, access, transport, venues, spaces, computers, printing and services.

2024 Library Board Awards crowd

Venue hire

Looking for a seminar or meeting room in the CBD at a reasonable price?

What's On

English Conversation session at the State Library
Practise English at the State Library
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Weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30 - 2:30pm until Thu 31 Dec 2026
Join our English conversation groups, a friendly place to practise your language skills and make new friends.
Battye Fellowship talk 2025
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Every 2 months on the second Tuesday, 5:30 - 6:30pm until Tue 17 Nov 2026
The Friends of Battye Inc. present a series of talks throughout the year on Western Australian historical topics. These talks are open to members and the wider community
Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2026 promo banner
Writing and publishing across cultural fault lines
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PEN Perth presents publisher and cultural leader Louise Adler in conversation with author and activist Sisonke Msimang to explore the pressures and possibilities facing writers, publishers and readers.

Collections

Collecting and preserving Western Australian history through photos, maps, newspapers, posters, films, music and so much more. View highlights, discover more and learn how to search the enormous heritage collection.

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