News
Promoting innovation and collaboration in the library sector by any person, library or organisation in Western Australia. Nominations for the 2026 Library Board Awards are now open until 22 May 2026.
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.
News
26 March 2026
Margaret Medcalf first joined the State Library of Western Australia’s Archives Branch in 1955.In 1971, she was appointed to the dual role of State Archivist and Principal Librarian of the Battye Library, becoming Western Australia’s second State Archivist.
Stories
How the Botanic Park came to be
Stories
This story is based on the oral history of forester, ecologist and one of the first Directors of Kings Park, John Stanley Beard (1916–2011), and features a collection of historical photos of Kings Park.
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.
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.
Exhibitions
Photography Exhibition
Dates
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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.
The Food That Shapes Us
Dates
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An exhibition exploring what food tells us about who we are as Western Australians. From nostalgic eateries, iconic ads and timeworn recipes to radical social change and environmental transformation, take a seat at the table of WA’s evolving food heritage.
It’s a Barrel of Fun!
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Get ready to go wild. Swing open the doors to a world where imagination runs riot and animals talk back in this animal-themed exhibition of picture book artwork from the State Library Collection.
Upcoming events
School holiday activities
Daily All day until Sun 19 Apr 2026
School holidays have arrived at the State Library and things are about to get wild! Inspired by our exhibition Monkey Business : It’s a Barrel of Fun! join us for a range of fun, animal-themed activities designed especially for school aged children.
A creative workshop with Wendy Binks
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In this interactive workshop, Wendy shares her creative process and demonstrates how to draw animal characters using simple shapes.
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Monthly on the third Wednesday, 7:30 - 8:30pm until Wed 17 Jun 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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Daily on , 10:30am - 12pm until Fri 17 Apr 2026
Kids can put together their own animal puppet, using simple craft materials like paper bags, paper plates and colourful cut-outs to bring a character to life.
The CWA Cookbook and Country Cooking
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Join leading WA food writer Max Veenhuyzen and a panel of experts for a morning tea (and scones) as they discuss the Country Women’s Association's impact on Western Australian palates.
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Weekly on Monday, 10:30am - 12pm until Fri 3 Jul 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.
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.