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.
Rare Books: Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Rare Book Week
July 24 @ 10:00 am – August 2 @ 3:00 pm Open during regular Library operating hours – See footer below – Closed Friday 23 July & Saturday 24 July...
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Anything for a Mate: Charity Ball
August 1 @ 7:00 pm – 11:50 pm $150 Get Tickets The Anything for a Mate (AFAM) Charity Ball is on again. The AFAM Ball was an idea from a...
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In Conversation with Margaret Hickey now CANCELLED
August 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets Cold River Margaret Hickey Margaret will be in conversation with author Gregory Flood Deep in the mountains,...
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150 Years of Botanical Communication
August 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm $15 Get Tickets Before digital databases and photography, how did we learn about the natural world? This Biodiversity Week, discover the BMI’s...
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Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey
Cold River Margaret Hickey Deep
Our Library | New Releases, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026
New Releases, Recommendations & Author
Read up on the latest happenings at the BMI. From Library news and exhibitions to the latest word from board and staff.
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.
Supporters & Partners
If you would like to support the BMI as a Strategic Partner, as an Event Partner or Supporter, or you would like to consider a Corporate Membership then we would like to hear from you.
Find out who supports the BMI.
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.
