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.
Victorian Seniors Festival | Card Making & Dried Floral Arrangement with Fay Marshall
Victorian Seniors Festival | Allow your creativity flourish. More Information Views: 2,734
Our Library | New Releases & Recommendations October 2023
Go to the Library webpage to view all New Releases and Book Summaries Our Library Why not become a member Views: 2,734
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | 2 October 2023
Rosemary’s Book of the Week Night Train to Marrakech by Dinah Jefferies. Vicky Baudin steps onto the train through Morocco looking for the truth about the woman who gave her father up for adoption decades before. Clemence Petier lives in a kasbah on the edge of the Atlas Mountains, her background shrouded in mystery. BUT
BMI Spring Book Sale | Calling for pre-loved books
If you are having a spring clean and clearing your book shelves for your summer reading, then we would like to take delivery of them so that we can move them through the booklovers world and help the BMI raise all important funds on 2 – 8 October. Book Sale We can take delivery of
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.
