Talks & Conversations

yellow background with black text that reads Stories from the West Discover the Premiers Book Awards shortlist at the State Library
Discover the Premier's Book Awards Shortlist
Join us for an afternoon of panel conversations with the shortlisted authors from the 2025 Western Australian Premier's Book Awards.
Prince Charles accompanied by Lord Mayor FC Chaney and the official party walks from the Esplanade to the statue next to the Town Hall in Barrack Street in 1979
Truth, Archives and Exposing Aboriginal Histories
This NAIDOC week, the State Library is proud to host a night of public lectures from the State Library’s Battye Fellow Shino Konishi, and the inaugural Aboriginal Research Fellow, Jordanna Yoontj Eades.
people dancing
The Coolbaroo Club
A special screening of The Coolbaroo Club, followed by a talk from leading community member and playwright Barbara Hostalek, whose grandmother, Helena Murphy, was a founding member of the Coolbaroo League social club.
book cover for A First Nations Perspective Stories of Nanda Resilience as Told by Elders by Steven Kelly
Stories of Nanda Resilience

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Join Nanda Elders and Dr Steven Kelly in-conversation about the resilience and perspective of a Nanda person and people.
Book cover for Convict Assignment in Western Australia 1842-1851
With Andrew Gill
Come and hear Andrew Gill reveal the story of the juveniles sent from Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight to WA between 1842 and 1852, having been sentenced to "transportation beyond the seas".
Jessica Gethin

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Jessica Gethin is an award-winning conductor, musician, artistic advisor and fierce advocate for women in music. Jessica was the inaugural Chief Conductor of the Perth Symphony Orchestra (2011-2019) and has held many significant roles.
Paola Magni

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Dr Paola Magni is a forensic scientist, crime scene investigator and a vocal campaigner against family and gender-based violence. Come and hear from a remarkable West Australian woman on science, social responsibility, and the hidden clues left behind at crime scenes which can lead to criminal convictions.
comic illustration to promote Perth Comic Arts Festival
PCAF is back for 2025! Western Australia's premier comic arts event will take over the State Library for a packed weekend of storytelling, talks, workshops and markets.
Poster for the lecture Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts
Medieval Illuminated Books of Hours

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The Kerry Stokes Collection presents a lecture by celebrated author and expert on medieval manuscripts Christopher de Hamel.
The Lumpers picnic South Perth Zoological and Botanical Gardens 1928
Getting started
Every 3 months on the last Wednesday, 11am - 1pm until Wed 26 Nov 2025
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.
Reading at book on a smart device
Online digital book club. Every month, join author David Allan-Petale in conversation with a new author to discuss their book.
English Conversation session at the State Library
Practise English at the State Library
Weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30 - 2:30pm until Wed 24 Sep 2025
Join our English conversation groups, a friendly place to practise your language skills and make new friends.