News
News
8 July 2026
Fantastical worlds, grim underbellies and stories of place and identity make up this year’s shortlist, which reflects the richness and complexity of WA storytelling.
News
9 July 2026
Libraries and library professionals from across the state were honoured at the 2026 Library Board Awards, held at the State Library of Western Australia on 2 July.
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.
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
2025 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.
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.
Upcoming events
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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.
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PCAF is back for 2026! Western Australia's premier comic arts event will take over the State Library for a packed weekend of storytelling, talks, workshops and markets.
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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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Monthly on the last Wednesday, 2 - 4pm until Wed 25 Nov 2026
Discover how to find out more about your kinship in a joint presentation from the Storylines team and the Aboriginal History WA team.
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This in-depth session will take through everything you need to know about entering the 2026 Ilford Orloff Awards. The presenters will walk you through the sections, rules, categories, entry process, key dates, the live judging process
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August is National Family History Month, a nationwide celebration of discovering your roots and connecting with the stories that shape who we are. Discover what's on at the State Library.
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.