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State Library of Western Australia This page shares updates, stories and photographs from the State Library of Western Australia. Sources, when relevant, are included at the end of posts.

The State Library treasures Western Australian stories and builds, preserves and shares physical and digital collections that reflect the State’s rich heritage, diversity and history. This page shares updates, stories and photographs from the State Library of Western Australia. Our posts are not intended to be a comprehensive history and are often condensed for brevity, clarity and appropriateness. In the case of oral histories, stories are based on an individual’s recollections and may not be a factual retelling of events. The State Library of WA has an active community on social media. You are warmly invited to join us. While comments are encouraged, comments that do not align with our code of conduct may be removed slwa.wa.gov.au/about/corporate-information/regulations-policies-guidelines/client-code-conduct

For more information about the State Library or to explore our online catalogue, visit slwa.wa.gov.au

Our page and inbox is sometimes unattended. For urgent enquiries, please contact us at 9427 3111 or [email protected]

15/10/2026

The State Library’s Better Beginnings program has just released 30 new rhyme videos!

Here we have Ginny singing 'Wave Your Scarf'. 🧣 These videos are designed to support caregivers of children aged 0–5 teach the words and actions of songs to young ones.

From old classics to modern songs this collection is sure to get your little one singing and wiggling along. Rhymes are a joyful way to build vocabulary, memory, co-ordination and motor skills, even for children who aren’t talking yet.

Better Beginnings are made book by book and rhyme by rhyme. For more fun hints and tips follow along at Better Beginnings.

With thanks to the wonderful public library educators from the Better Beginnings team, City of Vincent Library, City of Rockingham – Local Government, Mount Barker Library & Community Resource Centre and Bassendean Memorial Library.

Work it! 💪 Back in the '70s and '80s, Laurie Potter's Health Club was the place to sweat it out in Perth, complete with ...
13/10/2026

Work it! 💪 Back in the '70s and '80s, Laurie Potter's Health Club was the place to sweat it out in Perth, complete with jazz ballet, saunas and now-banned UV sun rooms.

Do you still have your lifetime membership?!

The final stretch is here for Year 12s! If you know a teen who's looking for a quiet place to study away from home, the ...
12/10/2026

The final stretch is here for Year 12s!

If you know a teen who's looking for a quiet place to study away from home, the State Library's WACE Study Space on Level 1 is a comfortable spot to work alone or with friends. It has past ATAR papers, study guides and Good Answer Guides to help them prepare. There's no need to book, students can drop in any time during opening hours.

Welcome to Port Hedland in the 60s! When these photos entered the State Library's collection the cataloguer noted that:'...
11/10/2026

Welcome to Port Hedland in the 60s! When these photos entered the State Library's collection the cataloguer noted that:

'Date from negative envelope October 1971 (date photographs processed). This is probably 1968 or 9 as there are no 1971 cars in the photographs but the blue holden monaro in 326769PD is a 1968 HK Holden Monaro.'

What other clues lie in these photos that tell us when they were taken?

October is WA Bike Month! Let's take a look at Western Australians on two wheels over the decades.Where's your favourite...
01/10/2026

October is WA Bike Month! Let's take a look at Western Australians on two wheels over the decades.

Where's your favourite place to ride in WA? Let us know in the comments!

Check out these ads from inside a Perth bus in the 1950s. Well before phone scrolling, these would have had your attenti...
29/09/2026

Check out these ads from inside a Perth bus in the 1950s. Well before phone scrolling, these would have had your attention!

The Perth Royal Show has officially returned for another year and we're taking a look back at the much-loved event throu...
28/09/2026

The Perth Royal Show has officially returned for another year and we're taking a look back at the much-loved event through the swinging 60s!

What do you remember most about the Show back then?

27/09/2026

We love sharing pictures of Perth from the past, now we're throwing it back to the State Library itself!

Do you have any pictures of the State Library from the 80s? Share your memories in the comments below.

Images courtesy of TROVE.

We’re going to need a moment.135220PD: Ben Allan first Captain of the Fremantle Dockers, 1995
26/09/2026

We’re going to need a moment.

135220PD: Ben Allan first Captain of the Fremantle Dockers, 1995

Have a nostalgic scroll through Perth's pharmacies from the 30s all the way to the 80s. There's a special charm to the o...
25/09/2026

Have a nostalgic scroll through Perth's pharmacies from the 30s all the way to the 80s. There's a special charm to the old-world apothecary look!

Address

25 Francis Street
Perth, WA
6000

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 10am - 5:30pm
Sunday 10am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+61894273111

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