News
April 2026
News
7 April 2026
Help us improve by completing our survey. We want to hear from you, no matter how you use the State Library. The survey closes at 5pm on 26 April 2026.
Promoting innovation and collaboration in the library sector by any person, library or organisation in Western Australia.
The annual award offers $5,000 to public libraries to develop, deliver and grow innovative programs and initiatives to engage families and strengthen support for early literacy. Closes 22 May 2026.
Stories
In her own words
Stories
Aboriginal stories
WA history
Born in Carnarvon 1918, Jessie shares her memories of being taken from her mother and sent to Moore River Settlement.
The CWA Cookbook and Country Cooking
News
Stories
Podcasts
WA history
Grab a cuppa, pull up a comfy chair and watch a panel of experts explore the enduring influence of both the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and its iconic cookbook.
News
Photographs and films
WA history
Inspired by State Library heritage collection items, these films explore topics ranging from the Rock Masses held at St Gerges Cathedral in the 1970’s, to the founding of Australia’s first Guide Dog school.
Exhibitions
Dates
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A folk hero, bushranger and infamous prison escapee, discover the legend of Moondyne Joe. This children’s exhibition reimagines his story for younger audiences through history, storytelling, and art.
Country Sees Us
Dates
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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
Dates
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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
with author Aleesah Darlison
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Learn all about capybaras, enjoy a story time reading of Aleesah’s book, Clara Capybara and cuddle cute teddy capys for a gentle tactile experience.
Writing workshop
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Create and draw your own animal superhero in this fun workshop with award-winning children’s author, Aleesah Darlison. This workshop is for children ages 8-12
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Every 2 months on the second Tuesday, 5:30 - 6:30pm until Tue 17 Nov 2026
The Friends of Battye Inc. present a series of talks throughout the year on Western Australian historical topics. These talks are open to members and the wider community
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Monthly on the third Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30pm until Wed 19 Aug 2026
Online digital book club. Every month, join author David Allan-Petale in conversation with a new author to discuss their book.
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Weekly on Monday, 10:30am - 12pm until Mon 21 Sep 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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Weekly on Friday, 10:30am - 12pm until Fri 25 Sep 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.
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.