Events
Throughout the year the State Library organises a range of exciting events, most of them free.
For events at a glance, check out the events calendar.
From stimulating lectures and talks inspired by our exhibitions and collections to films and concerts - there is something to interest everyone.
All venues at the Library are wheelchair accessible.
From War to Remembrance: a living history of the RSL
This exhibition focuses on the history of the RSL in Western Australia and its role in the community, with themes of commemoration, defence, and repatriation. Enjoy the beautiful poppy display off the foyer. To make you own poppy, print out a template.
When: Saturday 20 April - Sunday 30 June.
Where: The Gallery, Ground Floor
Public Lectures
The RSL, the public and the State War Memorial
Professor John Stephens traces the tumultuous history of the State War Memorial, and what it meant to the RSL and War Memorial Committee in the face of public and government rejection.
Through the Eyes of a Lady - Joan Dowson and the RSL
Joan Dowson was one of the first women on the WA RSL State Executive, and her involvement spanned more than 60 years. Her son John gives a personal perspective of the war years and the post-World War 2 RSL in Western Australia, from his mother's point of view.
When: Thursday 30 May 2013, 11.30am to 12.30pm
Where: Great Southern Room, Fourth Floor.
Bookings are required. Call 9427 3111 to book your place.
Family Day
Build a memorial out of Lego® or make a Paper Poppy
Parents can enjoy a leisurely look at the exhibition while children build memorials out of Lego® and poppies out of paper. A $100 Lego® gift voucher will be awarded for the most popular Lego® memorial photograph submitted to the Facebook page. Don’t miss the exhibition’s Lego® replica of the State War Memorial, constructed for us by the WA Brick Society!
When: Sunday 16 June 2013, 10.00am to 3.30pm
Where: The Gallery, Ground Floor.
No bookings required.
Coming Soon
Library and Information Week: Share Your Story
Monday 20 May - Sunday 26 May 2013Share your Story on chalkboards through the Library. What's your favourite music? Where are you from? Collect a trail from the Ground Floor to help you find your way. You can visit anytime during library opening hours this week. The complete program is here.
Write your Memoir
Do you want to share your life story with others? Come along to a ‘how to write your memoir’ workshop with author Amanda Curtin, and find out how to get started.
Tuesday 21 May
When: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Where: Meet at the Welcome Desk
Bookings essential: call 9427 3111 to book your place.
Discover the State Library’s story
Join these behind-the-scenes tours to find out how stories from our past are kept for the future.
Tuesday 21 May
When: 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Wednesday 22 May
When: 10.30am – 11.30am
Where: Meet at the Welcome Desk.
Bookings essential: call 9427 3111 to book your place.
National Simultaneous Storytime
Share a story with the rest of Australia! Come and enjoy The wrong book by Nick Bland.
Wednesday 22 May
When: 10.30am – 11.00am
Where: The Place
No bookings required.
Got an e-reader?
Want to find out more about the ebooks available from the State Library and public libraries? Bring your e-reader and your lunch, and learn more! (Not suitable for Kindle owners.)
Thursday 23 May
When: 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Where: Meet at the Welcome Desk.
Bookings essential: call 9427 3111 to book your place.
Barefaced Stories
Barefaced Stories is Perth's most exciting underground storytelling night, featuring everyday people who take to the stage with nothing but their true life tales - some humorous, some sad, and others downright perverse. Created by comedians Andrea Gibbs & Kerry O'Sullivan in 2009, this is honest, risk-taking, refreshing theatre that hits the spot. Join Barefaced Stories at the State Library for an entertaining night of intimate disclosures and heartfelt anecdotes.
Thursday 23 May
When: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: State Library Theatre
No bookings required, content for 18 years +
Movies Based on a Book
To celebrate the Winter Arts Season, the State Library is proud to present a series of classic Australian films based on books.All screenings start at 5.45pm at the State Library Theatre, and bookings are not required.
Films supplied by the National Film and Sound Archives.
Tuesday 18 June
Playing Beatie Bow (1986, 93 mins, Rated PG.)Abigail Kirk somehow travels from 1980's Sydney back in time a hundred years. Will she ever get home again? Based on the book by Ruth Park.
Director: Donald Crombie
Tuesday 16 July
The Silver Brumby (1992, 91 mins, Rated G)
For years, men have tried to claim the elusive brumby of the Australian Alps as their prize with no success. Then one man sets off to capture the horse that has never been tamed. Based on the book by Elyne Mitchell.
Director: John Tatoulis
Tuesday 20 August
Rabbit Proof Fence (2002, 94 mins, Rated PG)
Based on the true story of three Aboriginal girls, Molly, Daisy and Gracie, who in 1931 were forcibly removed from their home in the north of WA and sent to a settlement to be trained as domestic servants. They decide to escape, and use the rabbit-proof fence to guide their epic journey home. Based on the book by Doris Pilkington.
Director: Philip Noyce
Recorded Lectures
Listen to Kate Burridge's witty and entertaining U3A / SLWA lecture from Sunday 2 October 2011 on swearing, Taboo Words. Be prepared for frequent coarse language!
For the joint U3A and State Library Lecture on Sunday 15 May 2011, Philip Mead spoke about Australian Literature: beyond the National
For further details, see the flyer here, and listen to the recorded lecture as an MP3 file here.
Page last updated: Saturday 18 May 2013
