In 1997 the State Library established Australia's first Centre for the Book situated on the ground floor of the Alexander Library Building.

The Centre celebrates the importance and value of books and reading as well as developing the community's enjoyment and appreciation of writing and publishing.

It showcases publishers, storytellers, illustrators and editors, and presents a large range of events in partnership with other organisations. Public lectures, seminars, workshops, displays, exhibitions, book launches, readings by authors and special tributes are some of the activities to be enjoyed.

The Centre for the Book displays manuscripts, valuable publications, photographs and treasures from the collections housed in the Alexander Library Building. It also hosts travelling exhibitions that enhance the enjoyment of the written word for Western Australians who cannot easily visit the Alexander Library Building

A tribute to the annual Western Australian Premier's Book Awards Premier's Prize winners can be viewed in the Centre.

The Readers' Centre provides a more informal meeting place for writers and readers to get together over morning teas and other such functions, and is situated on the mezzanine floor. This area was opened by the Minister for the Arts, Hon Peter Foss QC MLC, in January 1999.

For further information on the wide range of activities to be enjoyed at the Centre for the Book check out What's New!