Talks & Conversations

Join Nanda Elders and Dr Steven Kelly in-conversation about the resilience and perspective of a Nanda person and people.

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".

We are celebrating 40 years of the Alexander Library building with a panel discussion perfect for architecture enthusiasts and Perth Brutalism fans.

Hear from Di Ryder OAM, a much-loved Aboriginal Elder who got her second chance for education in an unlikely place: the Australian Army.

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.

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.

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.

From the ‘burbs, to the bush, to the inner city, Australians are obsessed with the idea of home and the dream of home ownership. Comedian and architecture enthusiast Tim Ross is bringing his new live show to Perth.

The Kerry Stokes Collection presents a lecture by celebrated author and expert on medieval manuscripts Christopher de Hamel.

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.

Online digital book club. Every month, join author David Allan-Petale in conversation with a new author to discuss their book.

Join our English conversation groups, a friendly place to practise your language skills and make new friends.