What's On
Exhibitions
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.
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Unearth the beauty of the past with an exhibition of botanical photographs and clippings, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Western Australian Botanic Garden at Kings Park. In partnership with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, discover these colourful gems from the State Library collection.
The Food That Shapes Us
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An exhibition exploring what food tells us about who we are as West Australians. From nostalgic eateries, iconic ads, timeworn recipes and environmental transformation - the State Library invites you to take a seat at the table of WA’s evolving food heritage.
Upcoming Events
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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Online digital book club. Every month, join author David Allan-Petale in conversation with a new author to discuss their book.
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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.
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Join us at the table for the launch of the State Library's latest exhibition exploring WA’s food heritage. The launch event includes a panel conversation featuring WA food luminaries Max Veenhuyzen, Dale Tilbrook, George Kailis, Kate Lamont and Russell Blaikie.
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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.
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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.
Author Talk with Craig Silvey
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Join us for this special event to celebrate the launch of Craig Silvey’s brilliant new novel. Enjoy a lively author talk, Q&A, book signing and the opportunity to purchase your very own copy of this delightful sequel.
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Join us as Stella-listed authors Laura Elizabeth Woollett and Santilla Chingaipe speak on themes of violence and power, slavery, and history (and its erasure).
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.
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Join some of Western Australia’s best-loved children’s authors and illustrators for an unforgettable family event filled with creativity, storytelling and hands-on activities.
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.