What's New

News

Constance Wiebrands ALIA Fellow
News
The State Library proudly hosted the 2025 Library Board of Western Australia Awards as part of Library and Information Week — a celebration of excellence in libraries.
Johannes Reinhart winner of the 2025 Ilford WA Professional Photographer of the Year and Fine Art Photographer of the Year with Kym Peacock National Sales Manager Ilford Professional Imaging
News
On 24 July 2025, the winners of the third annual Ilford Orloff Awards were announced at a ceremony held at the State Library, celebrating the best in Western Australian photography over the past year.
Wimmins Work Showcase and Launch crowd
News
Discover the State Library’s program for the second half of 2025. Join us for exhibitions and events that feed the mind and nourish the soul.

Stories

three women in their work uniforms
Stories
Photographs and films
WA history
Wimmin's Work
Wimmin's Work is a new collection of audio, audio-visual and photographic stories documenting the stories of ten Western Australian women.
portrait of Barbara Darling
by Lucy Torvaldsen
Wimmin's Work
Strap in for Barbara's reflection on her life of activism, advocacy and uplifting others. And remember - life really can get better with age, and you never have to settle down.
woman in high vis fear sitting on brick steps
by Ophélie Barbeau
Wimmin's Work
Explore the lives of women working FIFO roles in mining in WA and delve into their unique perspectives on community, work-life balance, and the challenges they face.

Exhibitions

Sam Lovell standing beside his tour vehicle in the Kimberley c1987
The extraordinary life of a Kimberley man
Dates
An in-depth look at Kimberley icon Sam Lovell’s trailblazing contribution to WA’s cultural tourism industry. Discover Sam’s life as a drover, road builder, storyteller, tour guide and country musician.
Dreamwalker 01 graphic novel page 3 written by Molly Hunt and Scott Wilson artwork by Chris Wood and letters by Wolfgang Bylsma
The First Twenty Years
Dates
Experience an exhibition tracing two decades of work by Perth-based small press comic publisher Gestalt, championing Australian comic creators and showcasing an underrated narrative art form that continues to defy expectations.
Person looking at photographs  in the 2024 Ilford Orloff Awards exhibition
Photography Exhibition
Dates
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.

Upcoming events

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.
Better Beginnings Rhyme Time
Weekly on Friday, 10:30am - 12pm until Fri 26 Sep 2025
Songs, rhymes and stories for babies and their families, followed by an hour of Play Time to help develop early literacy and learning skills.
Story Time - Dad with son
Weekly on Monday, 10:30am - 12pm until Mon 22 Sep 2025
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.
Family History Research Assistance
Family History WA event
A seminar that explores how family history research has been revolutionised by advances in technology and new-age techniques. Gain expert insights from seasoned genealogists and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Collection of paintings in the art stacks
Exploring the State Library’s Picture Book Illustration Collection
Step into the magical world of picture books with these special behind-the-scenes tours of the State Library’s children’s book art collection.
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.

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.