Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Don’t miss Benita who will be in conversation with Dellaram Vreeland talking about Benita’s new book at BMI on 15 July at 6pm 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 […]
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Seen Again by Benita Bensch Read More »
Membership Contriubtions I imagine many of you have received requests for financial assistance from many organisations, as the month of June draws to a close thus representing the End of the Financial Year for most businesses and indeed Not for Profits. For the BMI, we are already 2 months into our financial year and not
A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | July 2026 Read More »
Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Message from the Chair – fundraisers Digital version coming soon…
Newsletter – July 2026 Read More »
For All The Dead Girls Sherryl Clark Don’t miss Sherryl who will be in conversation with local fellow author Tracey Rolf who will be talking about Sherryl’s new book at BMI on Wednesday 1 July at 6pm Tough and gutsy PI Lou Alcott returns with a terrifyingly gritty new case that takes her deep into
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | For All The Dead Girls by Sherryl Clark Read More »
Events staged in conjunction with our Heritage Collection will be displayed here.
BMI Collection Events Read More »
Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Minerva’s Secrets – Message from the Chair – Pride Month – Digital version coming soon…
Newsletter – June 2026 Read More »
May unfolded as another vibrant and exciting month for the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute with new activities and visitors weaving throughout an already busy regular schedule. From the Board’s perspective, it was a month that truly demonstrated both the strength of our cultural identity and the challenges that accompany our growing momentum. I hope many of
A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | June 2026 Read More »
Melbourne Rare Book Week 24 Jul – 2 Aug 2026 | As BMI associated events are confirmed they will be listed HERE.
Melbourne Rare Book Week 2026 Read More »
Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Twilight Talks – Message from the Chair – Ballarat Heritage Festival
Newsletter – May 2026 Read More »
From the Heritage Collection Curator – Interview with ABC Radio Sydney | Nightlife – Tuesday 23 Dec 2025 at 10pm The Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, or BMI, is celebrating 165 years since its reading room first opened in December 1860. It’s the oldest surviving cultural institution in Ballarat and has an incredible story. From hosting Mark
ABC Radio interview with BMI Heritage Collection Curator Ellen Becker Read More »
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Bubbly on arrival featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop
Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar
Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
