Our Library
Formally known as the Batten Room
Borrowing
The BMI Collections includes hardback, paperback, DVDs, and talking book cassettes across a number of genres including latest releases and old favourites in crime fiction, mystery and suspense, Scandinavian thrillers, great Australian writers, and a great range of non-fiction titles. Plus, there are complete sets of ‘same character’ series – numbered in sequence on the spine.
Despite the library operating in a heritage space, everything that could be expected in a modern library can be found at the BMI, such as free internet access, photocopying, local daily newspapers and a reading area with comfortable armchairs.
New Releases
Rosemary’s Recommendations
Books for Sale
Now and again the collection is reviewed and some surplus, duplicate or non-current titles are made available for sale in the library.
Members also donate books to the library giving us the opportunity to replace and rejuvenate existing contemporary stock or even our Heritage Collection.
Keep an eye on our Newsletter and Events Page for Book Sale dates.
Author talks
We regularly host author talks in the Library, these events are open to all and we would love to see you there, keep an eye on our Talks page.
Book Clubs
T: (03) 5331 3042
E: library@ballaratmi.org.au
Library subscription
Why not become a member of the BMI community, you will not only have access to our contemporary library but to our historical collection and discounts on selected BMI events.
Donations
We happily take delivery of pre-loved books that are in good condition (during regular library operating hours) to supplement our library or include in our fundraising book sales.
To enquire please contact the Librarian.
Rosemary’s new releases & recommendations
Book of the Month
Heritage Book Collection
Whilst it is not possible to borrow our Heritage Collection of books, members are able to able to do so in the Heritage Reading Room (fragile items may need to be viewed under the guidance of the Heritage Collection Team).
Our Heritage Collection Database is currently being transitioned to an upgraded system, unfortunately electonic access to the collection isn’t currently available. We apologise for this inconvenience.
We will advise via our newsletter when this transition has been completed. If there is something specific that you are looking for, please contact the Librarian.
T: (03) 5331 3042
E: library@ballaratmi.org.au
Updated 17/07/2025
Library Events
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Australia
July 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Seen Again is a modern companion through matrescence, the profound transition of becoming a mother. Matrescence is a biological, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual transformation that can leave mothers without the language or support to make sense of who they are. Many feel disconnected or …
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Australia
July 20 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets Every Time She Wakes Petronella McGovern Petronella will be in conversation with local author Paula Gleeson An unputdownable thriller from the bestselling author of Six Minutes and The Last Trace. Every Time She Wakes is a taut, time-bending thriller about family, identity and defying fate. When careers counsellor Suze and her family are…
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Australia
July 29 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets Lest Angels Weep Phillipa Nefri Clark Phillipa will be in conversation with local actor Kate Atkinson The new case is cold. Stone cold. Until another murder with striking similarities rocks a remote outback town. Detective Liz Moorland is desperate to get out of Melbourne. Away from the aftermath of shocking events…
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Australia
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, secrets grow deadly... Detective Constable Sally White knows how easily hikers can go missing in Victoria’s high country. But there’s something about the disappearance of Louis Taylor, a young man lost up Mount Viking,…
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Australia
August 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets The Frock Shop Sophie Green Sophie will be in conversation with radio presenter Jane Nield Meet the Ladies of The Frock Shop Where clothes are just the start of the story Australian bestseller Sophie Green returns with a sparkling story about the beauty of the second-hand, the power of second chances, and becoming…
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Australia
September 2 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets Neighbourhood Watch Lauren Williams What Rhymes With Murder? Penny Tangey Neighbourhood Watch ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook, a generous dose of dark humour, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north…
Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, Victoria 3350 Australia
September 5 @ 10:00 am - September 6 @ 2:00 pm Free Books priced from $5 - more for collectable items. Discover your next great read at The BMI Library Book Sale! Browse an incredible selection of titles at unbeatable prices. Don't miss our book sale this weekend. Admission and parking are free (one hour on Saturday, all day Sunday). There are hundreds of books - some…
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Australia
September 23 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets Things With Teeth By Moonlight: A Miscellany P.A. Swanborough Pam will be in conversation with Rebecca Fletcher Things With Teeth by Moonlight is an illustrated multi-genre collection of flash, micro-fiction and short stories covering loss, revenge, affection, and spending too much time in cafes. Human and other creatures in urban, forested,…
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Australia
September 29 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets Styled Sally Mackinnon Margaret will be in conversation with radio presenter Mary Card Personal stylist Sally Mackinnon, known to her almost 400K (Instagram & Facebook) community, brings STYLED — a warm, practical and refreshingly realistic guide to building personal style with confidence, clarity and ease. Drawing on nearly two decades of…
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
October 1 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets Tell Me Something True Michael Robotham MICHAEL IS COMING HOME: This is his 20th novel, but the 1st to be set in Australia. This is a once-in-a-lifetime publishing event for a book destined to enter the Australian canon as a classic. The astonishing, emotional epic from Michael Robotham: a mystery, a coming-of-age…
117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Australia
October 5 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets When Sullivan Met Lola Monica McInerney The eagerly awaited new novel by beloved Australian author Monica McInerney. Lola Quinlan is eighty-six. If her time on earth is running out, she’s not leaving quietly. Against the wishes of her family in South Australia, she’s flying solo to Melbourne for a week. They…
Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, Victoria 3350 Australia
December 12 @ 10:00 am - December 13 @ 2:00 pm Free Books priced from $5 - more for collectable items. The perfect gift for every bookworm! The BMI Library's Book Sale is your chance to find a wonderful read at a great price. Don't miss our book sale this weekend.Admission and parking are free (one hour on Saturday, all day Sunday). There are hundreds of books…
Sturt Street
Ballarat Central, Victoria 3350 Australia
01/05/2027 @ 10:00 am - 02/05/2027 @ 2:00 pm Free Books priced from $5 - more for collectable items. Discover hidden treasures at The BMI Library Book Sale! Browse through a wonderful collection of books and more this autumn season. Don't miss our book sale this weekend. Admission and parking are free (one hour on Saturday, all day Sunday). There are hundreds of books -…
Who was Mr Batten
The lending library plays a major role in the life of the institute and services over 600 members. For most of its years it has been known as the “Reading Room” but was renamed the “Batten Room” in 2000. This was to recognise the first of two paid BMI secretaries and head Librarians: WH Batten and his son HC Batten. Between them they served in these positions for 92 years: remarkable terms of office.
William served from 1859 – 1910 and Harry from 1910 – 1951. William had two wives (the first died) and 19 children.
The lending library is part of the original 1860 building that comprised the reading room, library, office and two classrooms on the ground floor. A large hall, capable of accommodating 1200 people occupied the upper floor. The building cost around £3400.
Learn more about the history of the BMI. Book a tour.
