The Reading Room (2.30pm – 4pm)

This volunteer run reading and discussion group meets monthly. It is anticipated that members will read the selected book prior to attendance.
If you would like to be a part of this group (free to BMI members) please complete the Expression of Interest. We welcome you feedback through this form as we progress this great new initiative. 
 
The November reading will be  Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett.
 

Expression of Interest to participate >

 

Let me sing you gentle songs | Linda Olsson
book cover
Past the Shallows | Favel Parrett

This workshop is a BMI Community Art Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution

City’s cinephiles set for a solver screen season | Ballarat Times

06/02/2026 No Comments

Ballarat Film Society The Ballarat Film Society is set to kick off another year of thought provoking cinema next month. Christopher O’Leary – Ballarat Times | Photo Sue Nunn, courtesy Ballarat Times. Read the full article here Page 23 Ballarat Times Sue Nunn, President, Ballarat Film Society | Photo: Edwina Williams, Ballarat Times Ballarat Film Society Films at BMI y: Our library stands on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first

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Joseph Tawadros | Solo Oud

04/02/2026 No Comments

Joseph Tawadros AM is a leading Oud virtuoso, composer and 8 time ARIA-award winner. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Joseph’s drive to push musical boundaries – Sunday 15 February at 5pm, Minerva Space.

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BMI Monthly Calendar 2026 – On Sale

04/02/2026 No Comments

$40 – Now on sale at $20. Limited stock left This year our 2026 calendar will feature twelve illustrations from the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute heritage book collection. All funds raised will go towards supporting the BMI – a not-for-profit community-owned organisation, continuing to share knowledge through our library and associated member  services, providing a unique place to engage with history, and a vibrant hub for community events. The Calendar: If you would like to purchase the calendar we will make them available at the library for pick-up, and, we will notify you by email as

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

02/02/2026 No Comments

The Riviera Secret  Sarah Steele Nestled into the pine-dusted coastline of the Cap d’Antibes is the dazzling white Chateau Violette. When British diplomat Lord Sinclair Castlemere, his young Jewish wife Daisy and their four-year-old son move into the chateau in the summer of 1938, their home becomes a beacon for the glamorous expat set-rife with gossip about the Windsors, and everyone in denial about the grumblings across the border in Italy and northern Europe. But as Germany tightens its grip on

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Newsletter – February 2026

28/01/2026 No Comments

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Public Talk – Film – Live Comedy – LIve Theatre | The digital version of the newsletter will be available here after 5.15pm today. The interactive PDF is available here.

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A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | February 2026

27/01/2026 No Comments

Happy New Year to all our members and other subscribers and recipients of our newsletter. We are off to a flying start with all services resuming in January.  Congratulations to all who won a prize in the Christmas raffle and thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket or two!   Our book sale continues through January, with many shoppers picking up a bargain. Please let others know of this opportunity, it would be wonderful to not have to pack

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