Stories in our spaces
Displays and Exhibitions
UWA Library is open to requests from UWA staff and students to collaborate on the curation of a display or exhibition that fit one of the following criteria:
- Showcases the Library’s collections and spaces
- Encourages awareness of the University’s contribution to learning, teaching, research, and/or the community
- Commemorates one of the events in the University’s Diversity Days Calendar
Our information guide explains the Library’s exhibition and display options and requirements. To enquire about a future exhibition or display contact our Library Room Bookings team.
The Reid Library has regularly programmed displays in the following locations:
- Level 1 Reading Wall – our display shelves highlight Australian Literary Award shortlists and prize winners
- Level 1 Exhibition Cases – feature items from the Library Special Collections and/or curated materials on particular topics or themes
The Library Stay Updated page provides information about current displays and exhibitions in our Libraries.
Pathways and Connections
In 2024, Reid Library completed a building project that included the refurbishment of our Level 1 spaces. Reid Library is located on the land of the Whadjuk Noongar people, and a key project objective was to incorporate an Indigenous cultural narrative into the design of the Library spaces. As Cultural Advisor on the project, Dr Richard Walley OAM developed this overarching narrative.
The design was formed around the key theme of ‘Pathways and Connections’ – visualising the Library as part of a broader campus context connected to other buildings, facilities, and features of the land. Pathways and Connections are physically realised through linkages between areas within the building and in Reid’s central position in relation to the rest of campus. Pathways and Connections are also experienced emotionally and intellectually, through the learner journey as people transition from new to UWA, to progression as a student, and to becoming a UWA alumnus.
Within Level 1 of Reid Library there are various destinations on the floor that realise the 'Pathways and Connections'.
- The central east to west area past the Wellbeing Lounge and inner stairwells feature circular elements in the ceiling light fixtures and coloured carpet sections, to emulate droplets varying in size as ‘ripples’ across the floor, leading to the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River).
- The Reid Laneway is a connecting path – it links the north area which features the Wellbeing Lounge and collaborative study spaces, the study areas to the east, and the south Bilya Biddi (river walk), which features the Reading Wall and individual study seats.
- Across the floor, the perimeter seating has opened up the visual connection to the natural light and to the Marri trees on the south side of the building.
- The Bilya Biddi is the river walk from the west to the Derbal Yerrigan. The original water stream to the river ran along Reid’s southern edge. This history is reflected in the carpet graphic in front of the Reading Wall which visually reflects a water stream from west to east.
- Circular elements echo in the Bilya Biddi individual study area, located in the southern sections of the floor with custom study furniture, lighting features, and carpets.
- The Kaartidjin Bidi Learning Trail was created by Alicia Roe and Nakita Humes, with design and planning supported by Publik and Nani Creative. Read more about the Trail.
Selected points across the floor have been given Nyoongar naming:
- Bilya Biddi (‘River Walk’) is the individual study area on the south area of the floor, referring to the original water stream that extended through the site of Reid Library from the west towards the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River).
- Bidit (‘Ant’) is the name for our Sensory Room which provides students with a respite from sensory stimulation.
- Woordawoort (‘Dragonfly’) is the name for our Sensory Room which provides students with a high sensory stimulating environment.
Publik and Nani Creative joined the project to extend Dr Walley’s themes by producing a set of cultural graphics across the whole building. The key theme for Level 1 is reeds as the transition point between the river and the trees. You can see the ‘reeds’ in our cultural graphic on the perforated timber walls in the Reid Laneway and Seminar Room, and through the frosted glass elements on the Staff Area.
The themes across the Reid floors:
- Ground floor is the river, a place of collaboration, meeting, and learning together.
- Level 1 is the reeds, transitioning between the river and the trees.
- Level 2 is the marri trees, a place for quiet study.
- Level 3 is the sky and stars, a silent study floor.
The Kaartidjin Bidi – Learning Trail
As part of the Reid Library Level 1 refurbishment, two UWA students, Alicia Roe and Nakita Humes, joined the Library team to explore and expand on the floor’s cultural narrative developed by Dr Richard Walley OAM. Alicia and Nakita have created the Kaartidjin Bidi, a Learning Trail with locations across the floor. Each location in the Bidi features Noongar naming and access to an audio reflection of Alicia and Nakita's experiences on UWA campus, the natural landscape, and specifically the Reid Library.
Alicia is a Nyungar, Yamatji, Yawuru woman who has been studying Criminology and Indigenous History at UWA for the duration of the project. Nakita is a Wiilman, Whadjuk, Ballardong woman who was studying at UWA at the beginning of the project.
Alicia and Nakita were supported in the project by our signage and wayfinding consultants Publik and Nani Creative who created the trail masterplan and signage, and by Library staff who provided administrative support and general guidance.
Access the five trail locations to experience the story:
Names in Library Spaces
Reid Library Reading Wall
From 2024, the Library has collaborated with the Convocation of UWA Graduates and the Development & Alumni Relations team on a joint funding-raising appeal to establish a Creative-in-Residence program. The Creative-in-Residence program will be an opportunity for creatives to engage with, and surface, new perspectives on Library collections and spaces.
In return for contributing to the appeal, donors will receive their name on one of the shelves in our Reading Wall and fund the new program. The Reid Library Reading Wall is a prominent feature on Level 1 with custom built shelving and a mirrored ceiling feature to give the illusion of extended bookshelves. The area showcases recent holdings of the Australian Literature collection. The Creative-in-Residence program will launch once the fund-raising appeal reaches its target.
The first set of donor names are now featured on the Reading Wall. Thank you to our generous donors.
Stay in touch
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