Fashion Parade and Afternoon Tea | PRE-SALE reminder
Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until Sunday 9 August at 6pm
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
Ticket available for PRE-SALE from 10am Thursday 6 August until Sunday 9 August at 6pm

The Frock Shop Sophie Green Don’t miss Sophie who will be in conversation with Jane Nield talking about Sophie’s new book at BMI on 12 August at 6pm 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 who you were always meant to be (with a little help from your friends). On Sydney’s
BMI Trivia Night Put your local knowledge to the test at a fun and engaging Trivia Night at the historic Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute! Gather your friends and join us for an evening of fascinating questions about Ballarat’s rich history and the remarkable story of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute – one of Victoria’s oldest continually operating libraries and cultural institutions. From the early day of Ballarat to today, our trivia will challenge, surprise and entertain. Enjoy hot snacks, great company and drinks

Cold River Margaret Hickey 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, that’s not sitting right with her. Louis was an aspiring journalist, researching the illegal tobacco trade – also known as chop chop – that was once so prevalent in the area. And the last person he interviewed before

New Releases, Recommendations & Author Talks

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Message from the Chair – fundraisers Digital version coming soon…
Trivia Night Fundraiser
26 August Doors open 6.45pm | Tickets also available at the door
$25 per person | $20 BMI members
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.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
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.