This edition of the State Library’s Connect eNewsletter contains plenty to help keep you busy – from free interactive drawing workshops and family films, to engaging in debate and discussion at the Disrupted - Festival of Ideas.

The State Library is also contributing to national events by commemorating our First Peoples | First Stories as part of NAIDOC Week in July, and helping you trace your family tree during National Family History Month in August.

Whether it’s for an event, storytime activity, some retail therapy or to wander around our new Dutch Journeys to the Western Edge exhibition, the State Library looks forward to welcoming you soon, either in person or online at www.slwa.wa.gov.au

Margaret Allen, CEO and State Librarian

Leigh Hobbs is best known for his children's books featuring the characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona the Pig and Mr Chicken, and he is the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2016-17.

Join Leigh in a series of free, fun, interactive drawing events at the State Library on 16 and 18 June. Free, but bookings essential via Eventbrite.

From Dirk Hartog’s landing at remote Cape Inscription in 1616 to our present migrant connections, Dutch Journeys to the Western Edge is an exhibition that draws stories from the collections in the State Library.

This free exhibition is open during State Library opening hours, from 24 June to 25 September 2016.

There are free education activities associated with the exhibition, and there is a free professional learning event for teachers on 29 June.

You are invited to explore the State Library to discover the significant achievements by our first peoples. These stories show the extraordinary ways in which Indigenous resilience has shaped Western Australia. Start the journey from 3 July in The Nook, with Fanny Balbuk’s songline – a story of speaking out and walking on to protest the occupation of her traditional lands in and around Perth.

The State Library is delighted to be hosting Mini Rev, featuring the Muppets and remembering the life and work of Jim Henson.

There are two free film screenings daily at 10am and 2pm, from 11-15 July at the State Library Theatre. Free, but bookings essential via Eventbrite.

Join Kermit, Miss Piggy and their Muppet friends at the State Library this July School Holidays.

There’s an eclectic mix of music on offer Live @ the Library over the next few months, with one free performance per month on a Friday lunchtime at 1pm.

The program continues with Western Australia’s premier new music ensemble Decibel on 29 July, Tourist Kid’s electronic music on 19 August, The Kate Pass Kohesia Ensemble on 23 September, and the instrumental grooves of TRISK on 21 October.

The free performances are part of the Western Australian New Music Archive (WANMA) project.

The State Library will hold the third Disrupted – Festival of Ideas on the last weekend of July 2016. This year the topics focus on change agents under the theme of ‘Subject to Change’, and there is a great line-up of speakers set to challenge your thinking.

Watch this space for more announcements, and look out for the program brochure appearing later this month. Register for Disrupted Festival info here.

The State Library and the WA Genealogical Society will be recognising National Family History Month with talks and tours to help you trace your family tree.

There are various events happening at the State Library from Wednesday 3 August to Tuesday 16 August, so check out the program here.

Events at the State Library are free, but bookings are essential by calling 9427 3111 or emailing nfhm@slwa.wa.gov.au

Have you noticed we’re in election mode? Well we have, and here at the State Library we’d love your help to collect posters, flyers, how-to-vote cards, stickers and badges relating to Western Australia’s constituencies and candidates. The Library’s ephemera collection of election materials has items dating back to the 1880s. Drop off any items at the State Library, post to Ephemera Materials at 25 Francis Street, Northbridge, or email electronic copies to serials@slwa.wa.gov.au

The State Library is taking part in the Perth Science Festival by hosting a day of free events on Saturday 13 August. Come and have some fun with our green screen between 12 noon and 2pm.

The State Library's Mapping Memory online exhibition by artist Wendy Lugg was shortlisted for the Museums and Galleries National Awards 2016.

The online exhibition was recognised in the category of Permanent Exhibition or Gallery Fitout, as a stand-out example of a physical or virtual interpreted presentation of materials.

The Premier's Book Awards shortlist has been decided from a record number of 792 eligible entries, which were submitted for consideration in nine categories. The shortlist announcement will be made soon, so register here for more information when available.

The State Library will be closed on the following public holiday:

Monday 26 September 2016 for the Queen's Birthday