Research & Collections

Find out about our collections to support your research and learning.

You can access State Library collections by using our catalogue.

Wedding of Ian and Joan Bennell in Bunbury 1963
Explore the diversity of Aboriginal content through the photographs, manuscripts, oral histories and digital stories collections.
Natures Showground The Western Mail 1940
Collecting and preserving Western Australian social and documentary heritage through photographs, films, oral histories, music, maps, newspapers and post office directories. View highlights and learn more about the historical collection.
Aerial photograph of the Mt Tom Price iron ore mine 1972
How do you find what you are searching for amongst the millions of images, maps, posters, newspapers, books, databases and directories in the State Library Catalogue? Learn how to dig in. 
Person reading The West Australian on a tablet screen
The State Library has a vast range of free eResources available for members and visitors. These include eBooks, online journals, eMagazines, audiobooks, current and historical newspapers and content services such as Ancestry and Kanopy.
Boab trees Kununurra 1994
If you are a beginner starting to trace your family history or a seasoned researcher looking to dig a little deeper, access our resources.
Photo of bathers at Floreat Beach in 1962
The State Library collects, preserves and shares a vast number of Western Australian stories. Here are just a few - come on take some time to explore.
You can make use of these datasets for research, visualisation, re-telling WA stories and anything else you can think of.

Donations information

Gold by the handful on the Eastern Goldfields 1998
A financial donation is a simple and direct way of supporting the State Library.
Polly Farmer acquisition press conference with Minister David Templeman and Minister Mick Murray

Donate to our collections

Add to our Western Australian materials. 

Members of a theatrical group c1920
Suggestions for new additions to the State Library collections.
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