News
Western Australian Premier's Book Awards winners
The winners of the 2025 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards were announced on Friday 29 September at the State Library of Western Australia, sharing a prize pool of $120,000.
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.
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
Dates
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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
Dates
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An exhibition exploring 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
Insights from Kings Park and Botanic Garden
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Join Professor Stephen Hopper AC as he reflects on his career and time leading Kings Park, followed by a panel discussion on the past and future of the Western Australian Botanic Garden.
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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 as Stella-listed authors Laura Elizabeth Woollett and Santilla Chingaipe speak on themes of violence and power, slavery, and history (and its erasure).
Peter Greste
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Iconic Australian journalist, university professor and the real-life hero of the film The Correspondent Peter Greste explores how silencing debate in the fight against extremism may threaten democracy itself.
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.