What's New

News

person using an ipad
News
We have launched a new online media viewer designed to improve the way users interact with digital materials in the State Library's catalogue, ensuring a more accessible and user-friendly experience.
Playing solitaire 1950

Board at the Library?

On Level 2, discover a selection of board games and books about board games including  jigsaw puzzles, chess, mah-jong, Scrabble, Monopoly, Catan, Cluedo, large print playing cards and much more.

Premiers Book Awards 2024 Winners Announced
Western Australian Premier's Book Awards winners
2024 Western Australian Premier's Book Awards winners and two new Hall of Fame inductees were announced at an award ceremony at the State Library..

Stories

6WF Radio official opening souvenir programme June 4th 1924 Page 3 picture if radio tower
Stories
June 2024 marks 100 years of 6WF and ABC Radio Perth. Find out more about this important moment in Western Australian history and discover the fascinating origins story illustrated with material held in the State Library’s collection.
Myrtle and Jim Brennan on their wedding day
In her own words
Aboriginal stories
Born in Darlow, near Leonora, Myrtle Brennan was a young girl when she and her mother were sent to Moore River Settlement against their will.
Riding a camel in front of the Union Bank Port Hedland ca 1910
A Royal Tragedy
WA history
Ameer "Dusty" Dost Mohamet (1904 -1987) oral history. Father was an Indian prince and camel proprietor who met his mother, Annie in Coolgardie. Both of his parents were murdered and his siblings sent to orphanages.

Exhibitions

Asians and Afghans in Eucla with camels 1900
Dates
Unpick the often-mistold history of ‘camel men’ and their social, cultural and economic contribution to Western Australia. Delve into the origins of South Asian migration to Australia in the late nineteenth century and learn about the adventurers who built a life against the odds.
Aboriginal family in camp in the South West ca1905
Past/Present Future
Dates
Utilising photographs from Storylines, the exhibition provides examples of Aboriginal architecture and design from the late 19th century to the present to showcase the unique skills and practices steeped in cultural knowledge.
Ella and Faulkner Mackay looking at photograph album
Cherished Family Mementos from the Collection
Dates
The Keepsake exhibition examines why mementos and everyday objects often hold the key to family history and ultimately shape who and how we identify ourselves. Showcasing cherished family moments from the State Library’s collection.

Upcoming events

Children playing at the Story Place
Embark on a journey into the heart of First Nations storytelling during this special Story Time with acclaimed author and illustrator Helen Milroy.
Person reading eBook on eReader
Online digital book club. Every month, join author David Allan-Petale in conversation with a new author to discuss their book. July Book Club is "Last Best Chance" by Brooke Dunnell.
Better Beginnings Rhyme Time
Weekly on Friday, 10:30am - 12pm until Fri, Sep 20 2024
Songs, rhymes and stories for babies and their families, followed by an hour of Play Time to help develop early literacy and learning skills.
The Chin Wagon Mobile Story Studio
Share Your Keepsake's Story
Have the story behind your most treasured heirloom, memento or object professionally recorded in The Chin Wagon.
Better Beginnings Rhyme Time
Weekly on Monday, 10:30am - 12pm until Fri, Sep 20 2024
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.
PCAF Perth Comics Arts Festival 2024
A weekend of FREE comic celebrations for the whole community! Local and international comic book professionals share their knowledge for creators, readers and educators. On Sunday, a showcase of over 80 comic book creators sell their work.

Game Changers Podcast

Hear stories from WA local women who rose up against inequality and stereotypes to champion the game of soccer as far back as the 1970s.