Excursion Basics
Educational Experiences
Discover a world of stories, history and information to support classroom learning. The State Library provides teachers and students with a wide range of resources, including extensive collections of primary source materials.
All workshops, tours and education resources for school aged students are created by the State Library education team. Education Officers at the State Library are qualified and experienced teachers. All Education Officers have valid a Working with Children card and National Police Clearance check.
Educational experiences offered link directly to the Western Australian curriculum.
Students can explore and discover the State Library’s collections, research Western Australian history and are introduced to critical information literacy skills. Additional benefits to bringing students on excursions include.
- Invigorating and reinforcing classroom learning with workshops and informal learning experiences.
- Modelling and practicing appropriate behaviour in public spaces. Building resilience and citizenship skills.
- Excursions are a chance for the teacher to step back and observe their students in action and develop relationships on a different level.
Booking, Cost and Times
Bookings are necessary for all school visits to the State Library and must be made at least two weeks in advance.. Your booking ensures the education team can make staffing and venue arrangements. Even if you are undertaking a self-guided visit, where a guide or Education Officer is not required, making a booking will help avoid clashes with other groups and ensure that the State Library has adequate resources available.
Workshops run at a minimum of one-hour duration. Suggested session times for facilitated workshops are:
- 9:45 am
- 11:15 pm
- 12.45 pm
Contact an Education Officer to discuss how to make the most of your time at the State Library and to receive guidance about other educational experiences in and around the Perth Cultural Centre that may enrich your visit.
All education program workshops, events and exhibitions at the State Library are free of charge.
To make a booking and contact the State Library education team complete a Workshop Request Form , email ed@slwa.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9427 3202.
Group Size and Accessibility
School excursion groups must be between 10 and 32 students per workshop. State Library staff assisting with school groups will present activities but are not responsible for the supervision of students. Duty of care of students and management of their behaviour is the responsibility of the attending teacher. It is a requirement to provide a supervisory team for excursions.
Due to the nature of the workshops delivered, the State Library recommends one adult per 6 students for Foundation to Year 6 classes and one adult per 15 students for Year 7 to Year 12 classes.
Please advise the Education Officers if you have students with additional needs. The venue is suitable for wheelchairs, with lift access to all floors and accessible toilets and drink fountains.
Emergency Procedures and Public Liability
The State Library is a government owned facility. It complies with Riskcover insurance and Public Liability insurance requirements for the excursion management policy.
The following guidelines are provided in the interests of public safety.
The Alexander Library Building is a modern public building with various types of fire protection devices to alert building occupants to emergency situations and to assist in controlling these emergencies.
Building Wardens will be wearing a YELLOW or RED helmet. Please follow their directions to ensure your safe evacuation..
On the Day of the Visit
Arriving 15 minutes prior to your booking ensures your students have time to visit the toilets, have a drink and are ready to start the workshop or tour at the time on your booking confirmation. Please be punctual, as late arrivals will result in a shortened educational experience.
Upon arrival at the State Library, teachers are asked to assemble class groups in or near The Nook exhibition space, located just inside the State Library entrance facing the Perth Cultural Centre. Our staff will be expecting you, so please register your arrival at the Welcome Desk and an Education Officer will meet your group.
Although all Education Officers at the State Library are qualified teachers, it is still the responsibility for teaching staff to actively monitor student behaviour and intervene when necessary. Teaching staff are required to accompany their students for the duration of their State Library visit.
State Library staff reserve the right to immediately cancel a class if student behaviour is unruly, disruptive to other library patrons or putting staff members at risk.
Toilets
Toilet facilities (including accessible) and drink fountains are located at the Francis Street end of the foyer. There are drink fountains and toilets on all floors of the State Library, except the Mezzanine Level. Try to arrive at the State Library at least 15 minutes prior to your confirmed booking time to ensure all students have been to the toilet, had a drink and are organised for their workshop or tour.
Lunch
It is preferred that school groups bring lunches in communal baskets rather than individual school bags. Lunch baskets can be stored securely at the Library. Please arrange this prior to your visit (08) 9427 3202.
Space is available for students to eat their lunch on either the grassed area or the paved area (under cover) directly outside the Library (James Street side). A space can be provided for schools if wet weather conditions arise. Food and drink (water excepted) are not permitted in the Library.
It is preferred that school groups bring lunches in communal baskets rather than individual school bags. Lunch baskets can be stored securely at the State Library. Please arrange this prior to your visit (08) 9427 3202.
Space is available for students to eat their lunch on either the grassed area or the paved area (under cover) directly outside the Library (James Street side). A space can be provided for schools if wet weather conditions arise.
No food or beverages are allowed on Levels 1, 2 and 3. Bottled water is the only exception. Food and drink are allowed in The Story Place (except nuts) and the Discovery Lounge.
The Story Place Children’s Library and Gallery
Located on the Mezzanine Level of the State Library of Western Australia, The Story Place is a vibrant and colourful space with plenty for students to do. As well as sharing the great selection of books for children from 0 – 8 years, schools are welcome to come engage with the original artworks in the gallery space, spin their own story starter, and practise some early years information literacy skills.
The Story Place children’s library is a shared space. When visiting with your students, there are some guidelines around the use of the space that visitors need to be aware of.
Public Programming
State Library staff facilitate a Rhyme Time and a Story Time program for 0–4-year-olds on Monday and Friday mornings. Each of these sessions are followed by a Play Time. If visiting at these times, we ask school groups to be conscious of noise levels and how students move within the space as there may be small children, prams and toys in walkways.
Toilets
There aren’t any toilets on the Mezzanine Level of the State Library. Toilets are located on the Ground Floor, opposite the Theatre and at the western end of the building on Levels 1, 2 and 3. Students must be supervised by an adult at all times when using the toilets.
Food and Drink
No food allowed in the gallery space. Snacks for children can be eaten in The Story Place, but no nuts. For lunch, find a spot on the Ground Floor or outside in the Perth Cultural Centre. Please speak to an Education Officer if you need further information. There are bins provided on both ends of The Story Place, please check students pick up all rubbish and refrain from touching books while eating.
Supervision
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. The State Library is also a place of study and patrons trying to concentrate will be disrupted by loud noises. Please remind students to be mindful of other clients when moving through the building, up and down the stairs and if using the elevators. Students must walk and not run, and use quiet, inside voices. Please leave The Story Place tidy when you leave.
Accessibility
The Mezzanine Level can be reached by elevator. Accessible toilets are available on the Ground Floor. Please speak to a staff member if you have students with additional needs. See guides for visitors with additional needs on the Access and Inclusion page This can help you plan your visit.
A special and colourful space for children aged 0-8 and their parents or carers. Located on the Mezzanine Level find a great selection of books, see original artwork, sing a song and play games.
