Exhibitions

On the Way to Nanas cover artwork spread
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.
Sam Lovell standing beside his tour vehicle in the Kimberley c1987
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.
Person looking at photographs  in the 2024 Ilford Orloff Awards exhibition
Photography Exhibition
Dates
See the work of some of Western Australia's best photographers from 2025. Spanning a range of styles and subjects, this photography exhibition showcases the winners and finalists of the third annual awards.
Book an Adventure map
80 Years of Australian Stories for Children
Dates
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

comic illustration to promote Perth Comic Arts Festival
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.
Author and illustrator Kelly Canby
with Kelly Canby
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.
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.
English Conversation session at the State Library
Practise English at the State Library
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.
yellow background with black text that reads Stories from the West Discover the Premiers Book Awards shortlist at the State Library
Discover the Premier's Book Awards Shortlist
Join us for an afternoon of panel conversations with the shortlisted authors from the 2025 Western Australian Premier's Book Awards.
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.
Collection of paintings in the art stacks
Exploring the State Library’s Picture Book Illustration Collection
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.
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.

Awards, Grants, Fellowships & Projects

Tom Jewell and sister Joan at the Royal Show 1949
Information on Battye Fellowships, Premier's Book Awards, scholarships and Library Board awards.
Child and parent looking at Kids Kanopy on laptop screen
Find out about available community, public library and Better Beginnings Grants.
Physical exhibitions turned into virtual tours and digital exhibitions.