News & Stories
News
Better Beginnings is delighted to release 30 new rhyme videos as part of our catalogue of rhymes, stories and songs.
Casting a net into WA's fishy past
Stories
WA history
The State Library’s heaving bucket of fishy photos offers a compelling glimpse into Western Australia’s relationship with all things piscatorial.
Stories
Photographs and films
WA history
The State Library’s collection of ephemera also offers a fascinating, kitsch-filled, insight into the historic evolution of the Dockers visual identity. Jump aboard with us for a rollicking history of football in Fremantle.
Exhibitions
2025 Photography Exhibition
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See the work of some of WA's best photographers from 2025. Spanning a range of styles and subjects, this exhibition showcases the winners and finalists of the third annual awards.
Country Sees Us
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An immersive exhibition centred around newly recorded video oral histories of Menang Elders and a large-scale visual meditation on the Kinjarling/Albany landscape.
41 Years on the Streets
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An exhibition reflecting on the magazine’s cultural impact and legacy. From humble beginnings as a small but plucky guide to Perth’s nightlife, the magazine became a highly influential bible for all things music, art, fashion, food and drink in Perth.
Upcoming events
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A cosy space to read the current and past shortlisted books of the Western Australian Premier's Book Awards.
Practise English at the State Library
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Weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30 - 2:30pm until Thu 31 Dec 2026
Join our English conversation groups, a friendly place to practise your language skills and make new friends.
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Weekly on Friday, 10:30am - 12pm until Fri 11 Dec 2026
Songs, rhymes and stories for babies and their families, followed by an hour of Play Time to help develop early literacy and learning skills.
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Weekly on Monday, 10:30am - 12pm until Mon 14 Dec 2026
Interactive story fun for pre-schoolers and their carers. Followed by a half hour Play Time where families can explore literacy and learning through reading, talking, singing, writing and playing together.
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Monthly on the third Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30pm until Wed 21 Oct 2026
Online digital book club. Every month, join author David Allan-Petale in conversation with a new author to discuss their book.
In conversation with Bruce Pascoe
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From the author of the groundbreaking bestseller Dark Emu comes The European Mind, Bruce Pascoe’s bold new exploration of how we arrived here – and where we might hope to go.
Sheiks, Fakes & Cameleers
Between 1870 and 1920, around 20,000 camels and 4,000 men travelled to Australia to help explore and develop the country's arid interior. Discover the forgotten history of cameleers in Western Australia.