What's new at our libraries: April 2026

What's old is new, and there's plenty of nostalgia to uncover this April at the City of South Perth!

Dive into local history through the South Perth Stories collection, join one of our special Heritage Festival events, or immerse yourself in historical fiction, documentaries, vintage games and much more through our libraries.

Jump to:  Movies & Shows | Music & Games |  Heritage | Events, Programs & Clubs | Notices

Books & Magazines

Featured adult book

A Premier Position: Lady Margaret Elvire Forrest 1844 - 1929
Chris Holyday
Lady Margaret Forrest was a founding member of Wilgie Sketch Club, which met at the Old Mill Cottage from 1889.

New book release

The Thorn Birds
Colleen McCullough
This bestselling Australian novel of all time remains as powerful, moving and unforgettable as when it first appeared in 1977. 

Featured eBook

Rosa By Any Other Name
Hailey Alcaraz
Set during the civil rights era, this inspired re-telling of Romeo and Juliet follows a Mexican American girl seeking justice after her friends’ murders.

Featured children's book

Classic Fairy Tales
Hans Christian Andersen
Timeless children’s fairy tales from one of the world’s most beloved storytellers, drawn from works translated in 1897.

Featured magazine

Who Do You Think You Are? The Essential Guide to Family History
Discover the stories behind the popular BBC series while uncovering your own roots, with expert tips for tracing family history and archives.

Featured eAudiobook

The Clan of the Cave Bear (CD Audiobook)
Jean M. Auel
Written over three decades and set 25,000 years in the past, this classic series is available to listen to on CD. 

Music & Games

Featured music

Cole Porter – The Essential Selected by Chloe Van Paris (Bonus Track Version)
Various Artists
Timeless Cole Porter standards, remastered and revived, featuring jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Sinatra, Billie Holiday—proof that what’s old is a vibe.

Featured board game

Rummy-O: the fast paced rummy game!
Throw it back with Rummy-O, a classic game claimed to be rooted in 17^th Century Mexico. Old-school fun endures.

Movies & Shows

Featured movie

The Jane Austen Collection: Emma, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park
2008
Experience three Jane Austen classics: Emma, Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park - elegantly brought to life in this DVD collection set.

Featured TV show

Anthropology and the Study of Humanity
2017
Explore humanity and heritage through anthropology, tracing our evolution, cultural diversity, and identity with award-winning anthropologist and Fullbright Scholar Dr. Scott M. Lacy.

Heritage

South Perth Stories
Around 100 oral history interviews from our archives have been made available for streaming direct from the library catalogue. Explore our range today!

Events, Programs & Clubs

April School Holidays
2 - 18 April 2026
South Perth and Manning Libraries
Enjoy a mix of creative workshops, engaging storytelling sessions, hands-on activities, and interactive events for all ages. Plus, special guest workshops to inspire young minds with exciting stories and activities.

Youth Week
14 - 17 April 2026
Manning Library, FREE
Challenge friends and have a blast with our retro gaming and board game sessions for Youth Week.

Heritage Festival
18 - 30 April 2026
South Perth Library, FREE
Get involved, discover how the City of South Perth has transformed over time or perhaps learn something about your own family history.

YA Book Club
5.30-6.30pm last Tuesday of the month, South Perth Library, FREE
Discover great reads, share your thoughts, and meet other booklovers at our monthly YA Book Club led by Perth-based writer and reader Karleah Olson. A low-key meetup where everyone is welcome: join one session or multiple – it's up to you!

Library Notices

• Manning and South Perth libraries will be closed on Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April, and reopen on 7 April. 
• We will also be closed on Friday 25 April and Monday 27 April for ANZAC Day, and reopen Tuesday 28 April: see our update for full details.
• The prestigious South Perth Young Writers Award (SPYWA) invites students living or attending school in the City of South Perth to build on their writing skills for a chance to win great prizes. Entries close until 18 May.

Visit our Libraries page for more information, resources and upcoming events. You can also subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter mySnapshot.