Things To Know Before You Visit
The State Library of Western Australia is launching a new Education Program in 2008 that caters for all students in Pre-Primary to Year 12. Our programs complement the Curriculum Framework and may be adapted to suit the needs of your students. All education programs are free of charge and available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 4.00pm. It is preferable that these are booked two weeks in advance.
For further information please contact the Education Officer on 9427 3202. We strongly encourage all school groups to contact the library prior to their visit, even if they do not require a guide or other educational services.
Bookings & Enquiries
School bookings and general enquiries can be made by telephoning (08) 9427 3202 or via email tours@slwa.wa.gov.au or download and print a booking form below and fax or mail it to us.
The Venue
The State Library is located in the Perth Cultural Center, next to the Western Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of WA. Entry to the library is via James Street or Francis Street. It is situated near the Perth train station and is on the Blue CAT bus route.
Bus parking is available on Beaufort Street, (Museum side) or along Francis Street. Please contact the City of Perth on 9461 3885 for further information.
Cost
All school tours and visits to the Library are FREE
Exhibitions and events are FREE (unless otherwise stated)
Please see the What’s New page for current Events and Exhibitions
Tour Times
Guided tours are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 4.00pm
Music Tours will be available on Tuesdays only.
It is preferable that programs are booked two weeks in advance.
Tours run for 1 hour. The students are welcome to spend additional time in the library after the tour. Please note a State Library staff member will not supervise this and supervision of the students will remain with your school and staff.
Group Size
Maximum guided tour group size is 35 students.
We recommend 1 adult per 6 students for Junior Primary and 1 adult per 15 students for Middle Primary and Secondary students. Please advise if you have any special needs students, so we can attempt to maximize the tour experience. The venue is suitable for wheelchairs and is part of the Your Welcome initiative.
Clipboards and pencils
Are available for free loan. Please note that these items are not to be removed from the Library, and can only accommodate classes up to 35 students. Bookings essential on 9427 3202 (Students may also bring their own clipboards and pencils).
Teachers are welcome to bring students into the library for unguided visits. We strongly recommend that all groups contact the State Library on 9427 3202 to book their visit, even if they do not require a guide or other educational services.
Emergency Procedures and Public Liability
The State Library is a government owned facility, thus we are insured by Riskcover and comply with Public Liability Insurance requirements for the excursion management policy. Evacuation Procedures Documents are available in PDF or by phoning 9427 3202.
- Emergency Procedures (PDF 38 KB)
- Public Liability Insurance (PDF 48 KB)
On the Day
Teachers are asked to assemble their students outside the library. An adult should register at the reception desk. The Education Officer or Librarian will meet your group and arrange storage of bags and lunch baskets.
Teaching staff are required to accompany the students at all times whilst in the library. It is the teacher’s responsibility to actively monitor student behavior and intervene when necessary.
Please be punctual, late arrivals will result in a shortened tour experience.
Bag check
Check in bags and drink bottles as a group. Security staff will open and lock lockers on the ground flood for bag storage. Please ensure the students have all they need (including medication) before the commencement of the tour. Please note that food and drink are not permitted in the library and mobile phones need to be switched to silent.
Bus Parking is available on Beaufort Street, (Museum side) or along Francis Street. Please contact the City of Perth on 9461 3885 for further information.
Toilets (including disabled toilet facilities) and drink fountains are located at the Francis street end of the foyer. There are drink fountains and toilets on all floors of the Library.
Lunch spots are available for students on either the grassed area or the paved area (under cover) directly outside the library (James Street side). Lunch baskets can be taken to the Mezzanine Level for storage, please arrange this prior to your visit 9427 3202.
Photocopiers and printing machines are available on all floors of the building. Students will need a card with a magnetic strip in order to photocopy. The cost of copying is 22c per A4 sheet (subject to change). Please ensure your students come to the library with enough money (preferably change) for photocopying and printing.
Pages Café is on site and open during library opening hours. Lunches can be arranged by phoning 9427 3102. Students are welcome to use the cafe, but please send students in small groups.
State Library Bookshop is on site and is open from Monday – Friday 10.00am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 12.00 to 5.00pm. It sells good quality discard books from 50cents and has an extensive selection of adults and children’s books.