Welcome 

As we wend our way through the year, spring is viewed as a time of renewal, of hope and looking forward as we anticipate the coming of summer.  But in the years 2014 to 2018, this feeling will be tempered with the Centenary of World War I. This occasion has prompted many to embark on their family histories and to delve deeper to try to understand the people who lived through these years.

On the Homefront

Remembrance Day (11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month) is always a time when we pause and reflect on those who have served our country.  Whilst many of us have not experienced the anguish that these enormous conflicts bring, we can try to appreciate the grief and sorrow felt by those left at home through the accounts of our predecessors.

Set against the backdrop of the First World War “On the Homefront” is the perfect vehicle for us to find out exactly how people left at home coped whilst their loved ones were far away fighting for their country.  This project aims to raise funds to digitise local Western Australian newspapers published during the War years and bring them online. 

The selected newspapers from around the State, paint a graphic picture of life during the War years and we can learn so much about how our ancestors went about their daily lives. 

Already we have received a great response to this appeal which  will result in a whole raft of additional Western Australian newspapers being made available on Trove for your research and entertainment.      

 To help us reach our target we are asking for your support. Help us liberate some of the gems from the homefront.         

To assist us in this worthwhile project please visit our appeal page on GiveNow.com.au and make your donation there - every little bit will help us in this endeavour.                                                   

Freycinet Suite Recital

On August 30, in the beautiful Government House Ballroom, an appreciative audience was treated to the premiere performance of the Freycinet Suite.

This performance was the culmination of the Artist-in Residence project and, in the favoured outcomes of all projects, it certainly finished on a high note.  

Dr Georg Corall, the composer and musical director of Perth Baroque and his talented musicians enjoyed a standing ovation after their evocative recital of the original composition.  Dr Corall worked extensively with the State Library’s significant “Freycinet Collection” in the creation of this musical masterpiece.

What's On the the Library?

Out of the gate and off for a walk went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy.. .to the State Library of Western Australia!

The Lynley Dodd Story is an exhibition of original illustrations from the world-renowned author and illustrator of the Hairy Maclary and Friends™ book series.

Showcasing over 60 original artworks, this exhibition features favourite characters including Hairy Maclary, Slinky Malinki, Schnitzel von Krumm, as well as lesser known characters such as Sam Jam Balu and the Dudgeon. The Lynley Dodd Story traces the evolution of Dodd’s work revealing the magic behind her process.

Discover how Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy continues to capture the hearts of children across generations. Showing until January 27.

Facts and Figures:

Did you know?

• Opening in 1954, York is WA’s oldest public library (image below)
• There are 232 public libraries in WA: 71 metropolitan and 161 Regional,
• The most recent public library to close is Leinster,
• The cities of Swan and Stirling both have six public library branches

Image provided courtesy of State Library WA 231892PD: York Public Library, 14 May 1973 

Where your donations go

The State Library of Western Australia Foundation continues to assist the State Library to increase their collections, to preserve those they already have and to develop the valuable exhibitions, activities and programs that enable you to learn more about your State, its history, its character and its culture.  All donations to the State Library Foundation go to the State Library so that they can continue their valuable programs and projects.

Donations can be made by any of the following:

• Online head to statelibraryfoundation.org.au/donate 
• By mail State Library of Western Australia Foundation, 25 Francis St, Perth  WA  6000
• At the Library place your donation in our Donation Box on the ground floor when visiting the Library
• Phone call the office on 9427 3105 
• Email  info@statelibraryfoundation.org.au
• GiveNow.com.au which will take you directly to the On the Homefront appeal page  

Thank you to all who have donated to the Foundation this year, your generosity is helping to preserve the culture and heritage of our great diverse state.

Jane King 
Executive Director