From War to Remembrance public lecture: Thursday 30 May

Join us for two public lectures on Thursday 30 May
The RSL, the public and the State War Memorial
Professor John Stephens traces the tumultuous history of the State War Memorial, and what it meant to the RSL and War Memorial Committee in the face of public and government rejection.
Through the Eyes of a Lady – Joan Dowson and the RSL
Joan Dowson was one of the first women on the WA RSL State Executive, and her involvement spanned more than 60 years. Her son John gives a personal perspective of the war years and the post-World War 2 RSL in Western Australia, from his mother’s point of view.

When: Thursday 30 May 2013, 11.30am to 12.30pm
Where: Great Southern Room, Fourth Floor.
Bookings are required. Call 9427 3111 to book your place.

Movies Based on a Book

Movies based on a book – 2013 A4-web
As part of the Winter Arts Season, the State Library is screening a series of Movies Based on a Book.
Enjoy Playing Beatie Bow (June), The Silver Brumby (July, during the school holidays) and Rabbit Proof Fence (August).
These free films start at 5.45pm, and no bookings are required.

Share your Story

During Library and Information Week from 20 – 26 May, the State Library is exploring the theme of ‘Share your Story’ with behind-the scenes tours, a ‘Write your Memoir’ workshop, a story trail through the library, gritty urban storytelling with ‘Barefaced Stories’ and more…collect a flyer, or have a look at the events page.
It’s all free but most require bookings due to limited places.
Share your Story

Rats of Tobruk film screening

Rats of Tobruk film screening

Screening as part of the exhibition “From War to Remembrance: A Living History of the RSL”, Rats of Tobruk is a hard-hitting film being shown as one of a series of activities to help celebrate the formation, purpose and activities of the Returned and Services League in Western Australia. Entry is free.

When? Tuesday 30 April at 5.45pm sharp
Where? The State Library Theatre

Honouring our ANZACs

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
- Laurence Binyon

To honour the ANZAC legacy, the State Library of Western Australia’s Data and Discovery team have curated a special Top 10 list of photos from our collection especially for ANZAC Day. By preserving and treasuring the social and documentary history of the ANZACs we ensure that they will never be forgotten.

1. Returning soldiers.

2. c1914 – C. Longmore and his brother H. Longmore, killed in action at Gallipoli.

3. H. Phil Fry mounted on horse in front of the Sphinx in Egypt, 10th Light Horse, 1915.

4. 16th Battalion AIF, originals left after Gallipoli, 1915.

5. ANZAC Day, Perth, 2007.

6. Gordon Reid laying a wreath at Anzac Day ceremony , 1957.

7. Bunbury War Memorial, Anzac Day, 1956.

8. Ex-servicemen marching in the 1930 ANZAC Day Parade, Perth.

9. Hugo Throssell, James Woods and Thomas (Jack) Axford, VC winners at the 1928 ANZAC Day ceremony .

10. Elevated view of crowd in the Esplanade Perth. Swan river and South Perth in the background, 1928.

Discovery eresource from the UK National Archives

Thomas Godstone (or Gadstone) was convicted at Lambeth of stealing 7lbs of pork [P COM 2/290/24]

The latest State Library subscription eresource is Discovery which is on trial until 22 May 2013. Discovery is the new search feature for the vast collections of the UK National Archives at Kew and, while Discovery is freely searchable on the internet, this subscription allows State Library members to download digital content free of charge.
Digital content includes:

• Victorian prisoners’ photograph albums 1872-1873
• Wills – e.g. Pre-1858 wills proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
• Army records – e.g. British Army nurses’ service records 1914-1918 and British Army war diaries 1914-1922
• Navy records – e.g. Royal Navy ratings’ service records 1853-1923
• Merchant Navy records – e.g. Royal Naval Reserve service records 1860-1955
• Air Force records – e.g. Royal Air Force officers’ service records 1918-1919

These are just some examples of what is available through Discovery. For a more comprehensive list visit Our online records on the National Archives’ website.

The great news is that State Library members can access Discovery from home as well as within the Library. Access Discovery by visiting our eresources page and choosing Featured & On Trial.

If you don’t have a State Library card, please go to eresources at home for SLWA Members. From this page you can follow the link to Join the Library.

If you already have a mylibrarycard, simply log in by entering your full name or surname followed by your barcode on the reverse of your card. Please note that the barcode is case sensitive so you will need to enter the letters as capitals e.g. CSLIBM etc.

If you are having difficulties accessing any of our eresources, come into the Library and see the friendly staff at the Welcome Desk or phone us on 9427 3111.

Family History Beginners’ Day

Family group late 1890s

Presented by the State Library of Western Australia as part of the Western Australian Heritage Festival
Warning! Family history is addictive!
Always wanted to find out where you came from but didn’t know where to start? This event is for you! The Family History Subject Specialists at the State Library can inspire you to begin your journey of discovery with a full-day program of talks and tours: 

• Pathways to the Past, family history for beginners.
• Getting the best out of Ancestry and Findmypast: how to get the best results from two of the most popular family history subscription sites with tips to improve your searches.
• Fantastic Websites: our pick of the top websites for family history from around the world.  

Take introductory tours of the Genealogy Centre and Battye Library for an overview of our family history and WA heritage collections.

State Library,Perth Cultural Centre
25 Francis St, Perth

Wed 8 May 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Free
Bookings essential: Phone 9427 3111
www.slwa.wa.gov.au
For full catalogue of Festival events:
www.nationaltrust.org.au/wa/Heritage-Festival

 

Walmajarri stories online

Read some truly awesome stories in Walmajarri, English and Kriol online RIGHT NOW! 65 Books written and illustrated by kids and adults from Kadjina Aboriginal Community and now fully online at the State Library of WA.

http://catalogue.slwa.wa.gov.au/record=b3303747~S1

Head to the launch in the Cultural Centre tomorrow at 3pm – one of many events during “Revealed: Emerging Aboriginal Artists from Western Australia” http://www.perthculturalcentre.com.au/What’s-On/?eventid=19892

A Musical for ANZAC Week

Dear Heart stars Stuart Halusz and Rebecca Davis

Agelink Theatre Inc is celebrating 20 years of creating theatre from oral histories, entertaining the public and affirming the value of our seniors.
Back by popular demand and proudly supported by The City of Perth and the State Library as part of ANZAC week, Agelink presents the critically acclaimed play DEAR HEART for three only concert style performances from Friday 19 April to Tuesday 23 April 2013 at the State Library of WA in the Perth Cultural Centre.

DEAR HEART, by Jenny Davis, is a true love story, based on her aunt’s WWII letters to her young husband, a prisoner of war in Java. DEAR HEART is a tribute to those who waited at home for news and to the endurance of the young men behind barbed wire. The play has has been published as a novel by Allen & Unwin.
Don’t miss this poignant story of love, hope and courage, featuring live music from WWII.
 
“Agelink Theatre is theatre of the heart.” Tim Minchin

 
DEAR HEART by Jenny Davis Starring Rebecca Davis and Stuart Halusz, Musical Director Craig Skelton, Featuring vocals by Alinta Carroll
Venue: State Library of WA, Perth Cultural Centre Dates: three Performances Only Friday 19 April, Saturday 20 April, Tuesday 23 April at 11am Duration: Approx 70 minutes
*Special guest appearance Tuesday 23 April by Opera Australia star, Lisa Harper-Brown
Bookings: http://www.trybooking.com Ticket prices: $20 full, $15 concession

Two FREE Oral History Workshops in association with the Battye Library
Come and share your stories and listen to the stories of others, or simply become inspired to record your own or your family’s recollections for posterity. Each workshop will feature members of the AIF and RAAF from WWII, as well as members of the home front. All reminiscences are welcome.
Why not attend a workshop followed by a performance of Dear Heart? Sat April 20 and Tues 23 April at 9.30-10.45am Great Southern Room, 4th Floor State Library of WA, Perth Cultural Centre
Registrations essential Ph 9384 8158

The Kay Poustie OAM Scholarship

 

Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam

Call for Entries for an International Travel Grant

The closing date for applications is 5:00pm Tuesday 9 April 2013

 Eligible scholarship applicants include Librarians, Library Technicians and other professionals working within the public library network in Western Australia.

Employed in the public library network in Western Australia and wish to take your librarianship skills to another level? Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge with people in the library sector in WA?
A scholarship travel grant of up to $8,000 is available for a Library practitioner wishing to extend their knowledge and research Library practice overseas!
 
To download an application form and to read inaugural recipient Kirstie Nicholson’s research report visit www.statelibraryfoundation.org.au 
Please submit your application by 5:00pm Tuesday 9 April 2013 via email info@statelibraryfoundation.org

 The Kay Poustie OAM Scholarship is an initiative of the State Library of WA Foundation.

State Library of WA Foundation
Perth Cultural Centre
25 Francis Street
Perth WA 6000
ABN 63 587 308 298

 
Direct links:

http://www.statelibraryfoundation.org.au/

Kirstie Nicholson’s research report:    http://statelibraryfoundation.org.au/images/document/Kay%20Poustie%20Scholarship%202012%20Report.pdf

Application Form:  http://www.statelibraryfoundation.org.au/images/document/2013%20Application%20Pack%20-%20Kay%20Poustie%20OAM%20Scholarship.pdf