Latest Events
As Ballarat’s independent home of Arts and Culture we host a wide range of events throughout the year!
Make sure you check out the BMI events calendar to see what we have coming up.
Latest news
Read up on the latest happenings at the BMI. From Library news and exhibitions to the latest word from board and staff.
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | 17 January
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom Adrift in a raft after a terrible shipwreck, ten strangers try to survive while they wait for rescue. After three days, short on water , food and hope, they spot a man floating in the waves. They pull him on board – and the survivor claims he
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | 10 January
The Women of Pearl Island by Polly Crosby Set on a secluded island off the British coast, The Women of Pearl Island is a moving and evocative story of family secrets, natural wonders and a mystery spanning decades. When Tartelin answers an ad for a personal assistant, she doesn’t know what to expect from her
BMI Newsletter – January 2022
In this issue learn about: Library News | The Reading Room | January Book Sale | Last week of Foto Beinnale | The Three Tenors | The Push All Ages Tour | Charlie Wilde Tour | Latest Research Activities
Our Library | New Releases January 22
Go to the Library webpage to view all New Releases and Book Summaries Our Library
Venue Hire
The BMI has a number of beautiful spaces that are available for hire. With reasonable ‘pay-for-what-you-need’ pricing, stunning heritage architecture, and modern facilities, it is the perfect place for your next event.
Membership
Invest in the Ballarat community by becoming a BMI member. Membership to the organisation allows you to borrow books from the lending library, as well as discounts to BMI events and other perks.
Our History
John B. Humffray arrived in Melbourne on the 19th of September 1853 on the Star of the East and had found himself in Ballaarat by 1854.
Because of the conditions he had seen on the goldfields he formed the Reform League to advocate for better conditions and treatment of the diggers by Government Officials. He was elected unopposed as an M.L.C. in 1855 and was elected as an M.L.A. in 1856 for North Grant.
Humffray was elected as President of the Committee of Management of the Mechanics Institute in May of 1859 when the reading room was established at the Ballarat Fire Brigade in Barkly Street. His term of office was interrupted by his Parliamentary duties so was succeeded by Andrew Anderson in 1860.
