What's On
Exhibitions
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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.
The First Twenty Years
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Experience an exhibition tracing two decades of work by Perth-based small press comic publisher Gestalt, championing Australian comic creators and showcasing an underrated narrative art form that continues to defy expectations.
Photography Exhibition
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See the work of some of WA's best photographers from 2025. Spanning a range of styles and subjects, this exhibition showcases the winners and finalists of the third annual awards.
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
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Weekly on Monday, 10:30am - 12pm until Mon 22 Sep 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.
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.
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Weekly on Friday, 10:30am - 12pm until Fri 26 Sep 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.
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.
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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.
Celebrating 80 Years of the Children’s Book Council of Australia
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Get ready for a jam-packed day of fun and celebration with author and illustrator events, face painting, live storytelling, book signings, costume parade and a thrilling treasure hunt!
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.
Short film screenings and panel discussions
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Discover the stories that shaped WA — one short film at a time, from rock 'n' roll masses and astronomical discoveries to guide dogs and a vaudevillian male impersonator.
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.