State Library of WA

Don’t like this library to be honest, it is way too noisy & the easy printing they claim in their website is not so easy with lots of steps & no proper signage or directions to steps.
I found the staff rude, giving the impression they just couldn’t be bothered being there or having to deal with the public. This is not the only time I have had this experience.

As far as libraries go.. . the WA state library has got it going on.
Surrounded by water features and inspiring art works of the cultural centre, the creativity continues inside the doors. There are lockers– with quirky signage about «knowing your belongings are safe.. . priceless» clever upsell. The selection of books is insane but the lanterns decorating the general floor space– decked out with lush couches and desks is a common room of intellectuals and social networking fiends. I skipped through this space and headed straight to the history section with displays of the history of media and entertainment– good old Rolf Harris and his wobble board scored a mention– I had a riot. (I am a BIG fan of entertaining education, bonus points for visuals!)
Great staff, layers of knowledge in a diverse environment (as casual or formal as you choose it to be) A great place to muse.

The State Library boasts a large collection of printed works — from books, to newspapers and music scores. There are several floors of material covering just about every topic imaginable, and the library is also interesting if you want to engage in some people watching. There are students slouched over books and older people engaging in self study, to name but a few groups who use the State Library’s resources.
The State Library is very good for musicians looking for scores, and recordings of pieces. Listening to recordings of pieces are especially helpful for classical musicians to gain an idea of how a piece can be interpreted, and the State Library has a extensive range of recordings available.
On the ground floor, there is a discard book store, where books no longer required by the library are sold. The prices at the discard book store are amazing — such as fiction for $ 2/​each. The best deal I have ever received was buying a book for 50c. The discard book store tends to sell a block of books by an author, so if you are fan of an author’s writing, it is easy to build your own collection.
The State Library is a nice place to spend a quiet day of learning and contemplation.

Perth’s State Library is a lot more than just a large building full of books, it is a place that provides a community atmosphere and brings together strangers with common interest. Not only do they have a huge, huge range of books to satisfy any curiosity, even Matilda’s, and have areas to sit and enjoy studying in a productive environment, they also host various types of events.
There are different exhibitions on at any time, showcasing a project or topic using different types of media to do so, they also exhibit local artists and illustrators work. The library also hosts free film screenings from the vast collection the library holds, they have matinees on Wednesdays from 12.30pm. Conferences and debates are often held at the library, they have a large room kitted out with all the mod cons, with a large screen to project any supporting material and a large amount of seating. There is a café attached, reading and studying can be thirsty work so enjoy a nice coffee or juice and order in some food to help you stay motivated and continue reading. The library provides a lot of resources for kids, there is The Place, which allows parents and kids to come and enjoy children’s literature and the places their imagination can take them too. They offer school programs and information sessions to help kids with their studies. And during the school holidays there is more than enough to help keep the kids entertained!
It might not look like much from the outside, but head inside and find your love of books and their smell satisfied and the necessity for modern technology needs met. It has everything right there for you to access, so take advantage of their services and enjoy the friendly and welcoming atmosphere you’ll find.

The State Library, part of Perth’s Cultural Centre, is certainly a place to visit. The collection of books it has is staggering, and while it’s the perfect place for students needing to do research or needing somewhere quiet to study, the library has a lot to offer general visitors as well.
The State Library showcases exhibitions and short films, has a café and bookshop, and holds activities for parents and children. No matter who you are you can find something of interest here.
The absolute best thing about the State Library though is when they have book sales. Periodically the library cleans out their collection, and books are sold at around $ 3 per bag (like the ones sold at Coles and Woolies: so a bag usually fits well over a dozen books). Simply check their website for news of upcoming sales and events, and be sure to have a car nearby — carrying bags full of books is hard work!

The State Library of WA is big and full of books. Just what you want from a state library, really. With thousands upon thousands of books you’re likely to find whatever it is you’re looking for, although I find the online requesting system pretty confusing and usually end up having to ask a member of staff anyway. The staff behind the counter are very friendly, almost painfully so — last time I was there the lady who helped me seemed like a mad caricature of a perfect, friendly librarian. Not that that’s a criticism. It was quite amusing, actually. There’s plenty of space to read or study, and lots of computers that you can book in advance. If you feel like taking a break, take a stroll up the stairs and visit the ‘Books Moove Me’ cow, a life-​size model cow painted with cute, children’s book-​style illustrations. If an illustrated cow isn’t enough of an incentive to go to a library, I don’t know what is.

The bottom floor of the State Library is like a steaming hotpot of backpackers, students, pensioners and bohemian types, inventively dressed and suitably nonchalant. It’s worth coming here to soak up that splendour alone. Of course, there’s a whole lot more (intellectually speaking) to get you excited about our State Library, which boasts a collection of more than 500,000 books, 21, 000 newspaper and serial titles, and 15,000 music sound recordings. All your standard library services are available here, including internet and computer access (the longest I’ve had to wait for a machine is about ten minutes), as well as a catalogue of microfilms, photographs, maps, videos and oral history material to survey. I really enjoy the historical exhibitions towards the back end of the bottom floor, which recently looked at the settlement of Italian families to Western Australian in the 1950s and 60s. Nestled within our dynamic Perth Cultural Centre, the State Library is also surrounded by plenty of neat outdoor reading spots (think water fountains, concrete stairs and turf with public art) so you can make a long sunny afternoon of it.