What's On
Exhibitions
Roll of Honour
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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A new series of audio, audio-visual and photographic stories exploring the contribution of women living and working in WA. Meet the journalists and creators for a discussion about women and work.
with John Long
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Join author and paleontologist John Long at the State Library for a talk about his latest book 'The Secret History of Sharks'.
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Come and hear Dr Sandy Chong's story as the first Asian person to be elected as President of the United Nations Association and 2024 inductee into the WA Women's Hall of Fame.
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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. 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
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We're bringing the Sydney Writers' Festival to you by livestreaming some of the Festival's headline events at the State Library.
Getting started
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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.
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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
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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.
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The State Library is celebrating 40 years since the opening of the Alexander Library Building with behind-the-scenes tours and talks.
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Hear from Di Ryder OAM, a much-loved Aboriginal Elder who got her second chance for education in an unlikely place: the Australian Army.
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.