What's On
Exhibitions
Roll of Honour
Dates
–
The WA Women’s Hall of Fame recognises more than 300 women for their inspiring work and achievements. This exhibition spotlights inductees whose legacy lives on through the Roll of Honour and in the State Library’s collection.
Dates
–
Suited, booted and ready for anything. A collection of photographs charting the way women have used their wardrobes to stamp their identity working inside or outside of the home.
Dates
–
Hop into a four-wheel drive and embark on a 1000km road trip through Western Australia’s breathtaking Kimberley landscape. Visit the Story Place Gallery on the Mezzanine Level for our latest kids’ exhibition.
The extraordinary life of a Kimberley man
Dates
–
An in-depth look at Kimberley icon Sam Lovell’s trailblazing contribution to WA’s cultural tourism industry. Discover Sam’s life as a drover, road builder, storyteller, tour guide and country musician.
Upcoming Events
Practise English at the State Library
–
Weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30 - 2:30pm until Wed 2 Jul 2025
Join our new English conversation groups, a friendly place to practise your language skills and make new friends.
–
Online digital book club. Every month, join author David Allan-Petale in conversation with a new author to discuss their book. This month’s featured title will be available to borrow from your local library or the Libby app with no waitlists or holds. The reader who asks the best question during the live event will also be sent a signed copy of the book by the author!
Live and Local 2025
–
We're bringing the Sydney Writers' Festival to you by livestreaming some of the Festival's headline events at the State Library.
–
Weekly on Friday, 10:30am - 12pm until Fri 4 Jul 2025
Songs, rhymes and stories for babies and their families, followed by an hour of Play Time to help develop early literacy and learning skills.
–
Join author-illustrator Jasmine Berry for a joyful launch event as she celebrates the release of two heartwarming picture books.
–
Weekly on Monday, 10:30am - 12pm until Fri 4 Jul 2025
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.
Getting started
–
Every 3 months on the last Wednesday, 11am - 1pm until Wed 26 Nov 2025
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.
–
Monthly on the last Wednesday, 2 - 4pm until Wed 26 Nov 2025
The Storylines project connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the State Library's heritage, history and photographic collections.
–
Jessica Gethin is an award-winning conductor, musician, artistic advisor and fierce advocate for women in music. Jessica was the inaugural Chief Conductor of the Perth Symphony Orchestra (2011-2019) and has held many significant roles.
with Tim Ross
–
From the ‘burbs, to the bush, to the inner city, Australians are obsessed with the idea of home and the dream of home ownership. Comedian and architecture enthusiast Tim Ross is bringing his new live show to Perth.
A Guided Tour through the State Library
–
A rare behind-the-scenes tour through the State Library to celebrate 40 years of the Alexander Library building.
A Panel Conversation
–
We are celebrating 40 years of the Alexander Library building with a panel discussion perfect for architecture enthusiasts and Perth Brutalism fans.
Awards, Grants, Fellowships & Projects
Information on Battye Fellowships, Premier's Book Awards, scholarships and Library Board awards.
Find out about available community, public library and Better Beginnings Grants.
Physical exhibitions turned into virtual tours and digital exhibitions.