You are receiving this e-newsletter because you are either connected to the activities of the State Library of WA Foundation or you have subscribed to receive our newsletter.

It is with great excitement that I introduce our first
e-newsletter to you.  Every quarter the Foundation team will bring you up to date with recent happenings and upcoming activities, so that you really feel connected with what we do. 

I would like to thank our generous supporters who attend our activities and events and who donate to our appeals for funds. Remember that with 30 June approaching you still have time to make a tax deductible donation.

Your donations help to keep the Library’s programs active and relevant and together we can help the State Library live for ever!  This is the link to our online donation page.

“Celebrating our history – growing the future” captures the State Library’s anniversary celebration in providing 125 years delivering library services to the community. 

In 1889 the Library began with 1,786 books. Today the State Library is a significant centre for research, learning and discovery with a strong online presence. The e-resources continue to grow including access to online journals and e books.

To kick-start the anniversary year Memory House exhibition is now open on the ground floor of the Library. Experience a treasure trove of items that take you on a journey through our State’s history of exploration, settlement, migration, mining, education and its enduring Indigenous culture. Explore the sights, scents, sounds and textures of WA until 28 September.

It’s been an exciting year for all things Freycinet and a continuing French connection established in 1803 when Louis de Freycinet first visited the shores of Western Australia.

Last year through the 10 year celebration of the Freycinet collection we were pleased to welcome a new friendship with Alliance Francaise de Perth, the original French language and cultural centre.

Most recently we were delighted to welcome Honorary Consul for France in Western Australia, Monsieur Patrick Kedemos who launched Elaine Forrestal’s book, “To See the World”, based on Rose de Freycinet who is believed to be the first European woman to set foot on our shores. 

At the same event Richard Hazlewood, former Library Custodian, launched the Freycinet virtual exhibition which was made possible with the support of Lotterywest.

• The Alliance Francaise has been in Perth since 1911 or 103 years
• About one million Australians visit France every year (almost 5% of the population!)
• There are about 12,000 French in WA and about 85,000 in Australia
• About 100,000 French people visit Australia every year.

If you’re thinking of learning French, travelling to France, or want to brush up your language skills, Alliance Francaise de Perth is now holding adult language classes in the State Library.

Artist in Residence Dr Georg Corall, from the Perth Baroque has recently conducted two workshops for aspiring composers. Dr Corall's residency aims to futher interpret the Freycinet collection through music. We acknowledge the support of Department of Culture and the Arts and Lotterywest who made the funding of the Residency possible.

Jane Jones, Coordinator Community Literacy and Learning at the State Library, is the latest recipient of the Kay Poustie Scholarship 2014 Award.

Jane’s proposed study is entitled Literacy Links: Investigating collaborative approaches to adult and family literacy. Jane will examine successful community based adult and family literacy programs in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Jane is particularly interested in the way these programs are being delivered by libraries in a collaborative partnership with community organisations.  The study will provide insight as to how libraries can play a leadership role to establish new partnerships and why this approach is so successful.

As part of their 125th anniversary celebrations, the State Library of Western Australia invites you to attend a series of free public talks.  Join us to be enlightened, entertained, and inspired! 

These Lotterywest supported community activities showcase the State Library’s unique role in our social and cultural landscape.

Secure your seat at the State Library Theatre by visiting www.statelibraryfoundation.evenbrite.com.au
or call 08 9427 3104 

Hackersley is offering you a 15% discount on your wine purchases. To obtain your discount please visit Hackersley for more details and quote the reference number SLF. Hackersley will generously donate a percentage of the online sales proceeds to the Foundation.

You can make an online tax deductible donation to the Foundation at any time by visiting our website. If you have recently donated may we thank you for your support.

For other ways you can support the Library and the Foundation find out more here.

That’s all for now. I would like to sincerely thank our sponsors, partners, supporters, volunteers and the Foundation Board and executive team who work so hard to raise funds for the State Library.

As this is our first newsletter we would welcome your views and comments.  In the meantime you can follow us on Facebook or Twitter.  We look forward to being in touch with you again soon!

Best wishes
Jane