News
Better Beginnings Family Literacy Community Grants are for community groups and libraries that help promote literacy in 0-5 years old and empower families to read, talk, sing, write and play with their child every day. Round 5 of the grants are now open for applications and close 26 September.
News
1 August 2025
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.
News
25 July 2025
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.
Stories
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.
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
80 Years of Australian Stories for Children
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Venture through an exhibition of original picture book artwork, celebrating 80 years of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. From timeless tales to modern favourites, explore the wondrous worlds found within the pages of Australia’s best-loved children’s books.
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Unearth the beauty of the past with an exhibition of botanical photographs and clippings, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Western Australian Botanic Garden at Kings Park. In partnership with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, discover these colourful gems from the State Library collection.
The Food That Shapes Us
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An exhibition about what food tells us about who we are as West Australians. From nostalgic eateries, iconic ads, timeworn recipes and environmental transformation - the State Library invites you to take a seat at the table of WA’s evolving food heritage.
Upcoming events
In-conversation with John Kinsella and Colin Archibald
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Whether you're a devoted reader or simply curious about the voices embedded in our streets, come and engage in a conversation about identity, history and the evolving urban fabric of our city, Boorloo.
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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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Join us at the table for the launch of the State Library's latest exhibition exploring WA’s food heritage. The launch event includes a panel conversation featuring WA food luminaries Max Veenhuyzen, Dale Tilbrook, George Kailis, Kate Lamont and Russell Blaikie.
Author Talk with Craig Silvey
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Join us for this special event to celebrate the launch of Craig Silvey’s brilliant new novel. Enjoy a lively author talk, Q&A, book signing and the opportunity to purchase your very own copy of this delightful sequel.
Short film screenings and panel discussions
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Discover the stories that shaped WA — one short film at a time, from rock 'n' roll masses and astronomical discoveries to guide dogs and a vaudevillian male impersonator.
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Join some of Western Australia’s best-loved children’s authors and illustrators for an unforgettable family event filled with creativity, storytelling and hands-on activities.
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.