Talks & Conversations

Get ready for a jam-packed day of fun and celebration with author and illustrator events, face painting, live storytelling, book signings, costume parade and a thrilling treasure hunt!

Discover the stories that shaped WA — one short film at a time, from rock 'n' roll masses and astronomical discoveries to guide dogs and a vaudevillian male impersonator.

Join us for an afternoon of panel conversations with the shortlisted authors from the 2025 Western Australian Premier's Book Awards.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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