This year also marks 170 years of the council’s library service to the people of Perth.

On 1 March 2016, the 3500 square-metre, state-of-the-art building opened its doors to members of the public and was the first civic building to be constructed since the Perth Concert Hall in the 1970s.

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the Library had become a central point for the community - a place to meet, learn, create and engage.
 
“It is a place that facilitates lifelong learning through endless books, resources and events, acting as focal point of knowledge in the city,” he said.
 
“I encourage everyone to visit the City of Perth Library - escape the rush and enjoy the expansive spaces for reading, relaxing, study and play.”
 
Since opening five years ago, the City of Perth Library has seen more than 1.6 million loans, 45,000 new members and 1.9 million visitors. The most borrowed book has been The Barefoot Investor: The Only Money Guide You'll Ever Need by Scott Pape.
 
As well as a love for books, the Library showcases a range of features over seven levels, including collections, reading spaces, a master staircase, story-telling zones and a terrace. Visitors have access to free WiFi and computer services as well as DVDs, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines, newspapers, events, talks and much more.
 
A key feature is the ceiling artwork by WA artist Andrew Nicholls. Retelling the end of Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest and featuring WA flora and fauna, the artwork really must be seen to be believed.
 
Another popular area of the Library has been its dedicated children’s floor, featuring the Tree of Knowledge.

Over the years, the City of Perth Library has hosted some amazing events featuring top-line authors and speakers including British philosopher AC Grayling, Dr Michael Mosley, former Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans, author Germaine Greer and media presenter Yassmin Abdel-Magied.

The most popular events have been Storytime and Rhymetimes, Library Lovers’ Week, Nyoongar Singing for Beginners and Find Your Voice Singing Classes.

The City of Perth Library continues to offer a vibrant program of events and activities for children, young adults and adults, centred around lifelong learning.

City of Perth residents and visitors can get more out of the Library with a free membership, unlocking a great range of electronic resources including film streaming, music downloads and online courses.

For more information on how to join, visit perth.wa.gov.au/library-join. 


Backgrounder

The Library will be running the following events and activities to mark the fifth anniversary:

History between the Pages Display
 From 24 February | Ground Floor, City of Perth Library
Delve back into time with this historic exhibition on the ground floor of the Library.
Storytime with the Lord Mayor
 26 February | 10am to 10.30am | lmstorytime.eventbrite.com.au
Join us for a special Storytime with The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Basil Zempilas, to celebrate the City of Perth Library’s fifth anniversary. Suitable for children aged 2 to 5 years. City of Perth Library staff will come to work dressed as their favourite book character.

Library Bag Design Competition
1 March to 31 March | visitperth.com/events/library-bag-design-comp
Create a design and enter for the opportunity to have your artwork featured on City of Perth Library bags. 

Sustainable Celebrations: How to Reduce Waste
3 March | 6.30pm to 7.30pm | sustainablecelebrations.eventbrite.com.au
Join us to be inspired by Karla Hooper, Earth Girl, who will share her ideas for holding celebrations that will leave you and your guests smiling, with less environmental impact.

Pet Portraits with Campbell Whyte
5 March | 12pm to 2pm | trybooking.com/BOFSM
Join award-winning comic maker Campbell Whyte to learn how to draw your very own pet portrait.
 
City of Perth Library videos can be viewed via Dropbox.

ENDS
Issued by: Brooke Hunter, Senior Media and Communications Advisor, 0448 610 834, brooke.hunter@cityofperth.wa.gov.au

The City of Perth acknowledges the Whadjuk Nyoongar people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where Perth city is situated today, and pay our respect to Elders past and present.