News
Gerard McCann and Louise Wolhuter
News
27 February 2026
Authors Gerard McCann and Louise Wolhuter discuss their experiences winning the 2025 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards and what it meant to them.
The scholarship supports the development of professional staff working in the WA public library network and aims to enhance library services through research and learning experiences. Applications open are now open and close on 27 March 2026.
News
16 January 2026
The Western Australian Premier's Book Awards, a vibrant celebration of the stories and voices that define the State, has launched for 2026.
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
Upcoming events
Make eco-friendly sculptures with artist Jodie Davidson
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Join artist and author Jodie Davidson for a hands-on creative workshop that turns everyday garden items into crazy critters. Hammer, screw, knot, and weave materials together to bring your creative ideas to life.
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Daily on , 10 - 10:30am until Fri 17 Apr 2026
Join us for a fun half hour of storytelling featuring animal-themed tales. Each week brings new stories to spark curiosity and imagination.
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Daily on , 10:30am - 12pm until Fri 10 Apr 2026
Children can make their own animal mask using simple materials like paper plates and coloured paper. This relaxed, self-paced activity is perfect for little makers and curious readers.
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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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.
Getting started
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Every 3 months on the last Wednesday, 11am - 1pm until Wed 25 Nov 2026
Do you want to find out about your family history and don’t know where to start? Let us help you at one of our free and friendly talks at the State Library and we’ll show you.
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.