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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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.
80 Years of Australian Stories for Children
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Venture through an exhibition of original picture book artwork, celebrating 80 years of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. From timeless tales to modern favourites, explore the wondrous worlds found within the pages of Australia’s best-loved children’s books.
Upcoming Events
With Andrew Gill
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Come and hear Andrew Gill reveal the story of the juveniles sent from Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight to WA between 1842 and 1852, having been sentenced to "transportation beyond the seas".
The Coolbaroo Club
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A special screening of The Coolbaroo Club, followed by a talk from leading community member and playwright Barbara Hostalek, whose grandmother, Helena Murphy, was a founding member of the Coolbaroo League social club.
Truth, Archives and Exposing Aboriginal Histories
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This NAIDOC week, the State Library is proud to host a night of public lectures from the State Library’s Battye Fellow Shino Konishi, and the inaugural Aboriginal Research Fellow, Jordanna Yoontj Eades.
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PCAF is back for 2025! Western Australia's premier comic arts event will take over the State Library for a packed weekend of storytelling, talks, workshops and markets.
with Kelly Canby
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Join award-winning author and illustrator Kelly Canby for a fast, fun and fabulously un-serious illustration workshop. Kids will paint along and see how stories really come to life… mess and all.
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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.
Practise English at the State Library
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Weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30 - 2:30pm until Wed 24 Sep 2025
Join our English conversation groups, a friendly place to practise your language skills and make new friends.
Discover the Premier's Book Awards Shortlist
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Join us for an afternoon of panel conversations with the shortlisted authors from the 2025 Western Australian Premier's Book Awards.
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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.
Exploring the State Library’s Picture Book Illustration Collection
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Step into the magical world of picture books with these special behind-the-scenes tours of the State Library’s children’s book art collection.
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.
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.