State Library of Western Australia

Public Libraries

The State Library provides public library collections of catalogued books and other materials, and facilitates the provision of the widest range of information services to the people of Western Australia through a State-wide network of public libraries managed by local government. The partnership between State and local governments, and other participating bodies, is maintained and developed through consultation, joint decision making and agreed standards. A range of training programs are provided to improve the range and level of services offered by public libraries.

Extension of Public Library Agreement - Additional Funding
The State Government confirmed today (08th May 2008) additional funding for public libraries of $4.355 million making a total investment of $10.855 million in 2008/09. This funding is provided through the Department of Culture and the Arts and the State Library although not shown in the budget papers.

This funding includes $200,000 to progress the Structural Reform of Public Library Services in Western Australia (2007). The remaining funds of $4.155 million support the achievement of the target of 12.5% replacement rate for public library materials as expressed in the Framework Agreement.

The Government’s commitment to the Local Government partnership in providing support to public libraries is enhanced further with an agreement to extend the Framework Agreement for a further 12 months pending the implementation of the Structural Reform of Public Libraries in Western Australia (2007).

The Department of Culture and the Arts and the State Library of Western Australia are committed to supporting WA public libraries and acknowledge the benefits they deliver to the community.

Framework Agreement for the Provision of Public Library Services (130 KB PDF file)
In December 2004 the Framework Agreement between State and Local Government for the provision of public library services in Western Australia was signed. This framework agreement provides an overarching framework of broad parameters for the future direction of Western Australia's public library services.

Structural Reform of Public Library Services, August 2007
A major strategic task for the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) is the long term structural reform of the Western Australian public library network, leading to the development of a new Agreement past June 2008. An examination of the most efficient and effective model for the delivery of public library services to the Western Australian community has been undertaken. The final report was presented at a public meeting at the State Library Theatre on Tuesday 21 August 2007, 1pm - 5pm.

Directory of Public Library Services in Western Australia [October 2004]

Public Libraries in Western Australia
Public libraries throughout Western Australia offer a wide range of resources and services for everybody. These can include:

Public libraries also provide:

You are entitled to join your local public library in the area in which you live, work, or go to school. All you will be required to do is show identification and proof of your current address. There is no charge for joining your local library. If you are under 18 years of age your parent or legal guardian may need to be present when you join.

Please check with your local library for more information on becoming a member and to discover the range of materials and services it provides. If your local public library does not have what you are looking for, the staff may be able to request it for you from another library on inter library loan.

Better BeginningsBetter Beginnings

Developing a library habit early in life gives children a head start!

The foundations of reading need to be laid long before children reach school and research conducted in the United Kingdom has shown that introducing a young child to the library is one of the most significant things a parent can do to make a difference to their child’s later education.
To introduce young children and parents to great books and early literacy activities, the State Library of Western Australia has developed Better Beginnings, a universal family literacy program for Western Australian children aged from birth to three years and their families. In partnership with the Rio Tinto WA Future Fund and Local Governments throughout WA, the State Government Better Beginnings will be established State-wide over the next four years.

Find out more about the Better Beginnings Family Literacy Program.

From Vision to Reality: achieving a shared vision for sustainable and connected public libraries for our state-wide community.

On Tuesday 25 October 2005 the State Library of Western Australia and the Western Australian Local Government Association hosted a Forum to explore best practice in service delivery, investigate resource-sharing and collocation opportunities and stimulate thinking on the future role of public libraries. The Forum is the first step towards developing strategies that will put a newly created vision for public libraries into practice.

You can view the presentations from the Forum.

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