Ballarat Libraries in partnership with BMI | Now cancelled due to travel restrictions caused by recent devastating floods
Join bestselling crime writer Chris Hammer in conversation with 2022 Indie Book Award winner for debut fiction Lyn Yeowart. Hammer, the multi-award-winning author of Scrublands will be discussing his highly anticipated novel The Tilt.
A must attend event for lovers of gripping, homegrown Australian crime writing.
Yeowart’s debut novel (The Silent Listener) and Hammer’s latest work explore protagonists returning home and delve into gritty stories set in the heart of small-town Australia.
Got a question for Chris? There will be a 15-minute Q&A at the end of the session.
This event is a BMI Community Cultural Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution
The Institute’s 2026 Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, 28 September at 5pm | Humffray Room. All members of the Institute are invited to attend. Voting members are reminded that they can provide proxy attendance for the meeting (proxy forms are available below). Members are asked to RSVP to the meeting by Friday
Minerva’s Secrets Night Tours are back. Two tours, 7pm and 9pm. Step back in time with these atmospheric Victorian-era performers, lanterns in hand and ready to guide you through history. Their period costumes and old stone backdrop set the perfect scene for a ghostly walking tour.
What Rhymes With Murder? Penny Tangey Don’t miss Penny and Lauren Williams who will be talking about their new books (What Rhymes With Murder? & Neighbourhood Watch) at BMI on 2 September at 6pm Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder,
Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Message from Executive Manager – fundraisers Digital version coming soon…
Neighbourhood Watch Lauren Williams Don’t miss Lauren and Penny Tangey who will be talking about their new books (Neighbourhood Watch & What Rhymes With Murder?) at BMI on 2 September at 6pm ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook, a generous dose of dark humour, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian
Red Lake Jason Summers Sergeant Harper Quinn has returned to her sleepy hometown Koorinda in search of a quieter life. Until she learns that the town’s once glittering waterpark is being reopened, on the shores of its famous Red Lake: the place her little brother vanished into thin air 30 years ago. And then Harper
Fundraiser for Ballarat RSL & BMI
$33 per person
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
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.
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
Sunday 6 September at 2pm - Cost $65
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.
