Events

English Conversation session at the State Library
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.
Families attend a camp service Mt Margaret Mission with singing and the message in language ca1950
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.
three women in their work uniforms
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.
John Long and Goblin shark
with John Long
Join author and paleontologist John Long at the State Library for a talk about his latest book 'The Secret History of Sharks'.
portrait of Dr Sandy Chong sitting on sofa
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.
Reading at book on a smart device
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!
SWF Live and Local Promo image
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.
The Lumpers picnic South Perth Zoological and Botanical Gardens 1928
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.
Jessica Gethin
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.
The Australian Dream withTim Ross orange promotional image
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.
Perth Cultural Centre 10 August 1987 including State Library of WA
The State Library is celebrating 40 years since the opening of the Alexander Library Building with behind-the-scenes tours and talks.
portrait of Di Ryder
Hear from Di Ryder OAM, a much-loved Aboriginal Elder who got her second chance for education in an unlikely place: the Australian Army.