The Reading Room (2pm in the Library for a start @ 10.30am – 12noon)

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 your feedback through this form as we progress this member lead initiative. 
 
Expression of Interest to participate >

 

For more information go to

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

BMI Library closure notice for ANZAC Day with red poppy

ANZAC Day | BMI Library closed

24/04/2026 No Comments

ANZAC Day Lest we forget Our library will be closed on Saturday and reopen on Monday 27 April at 10am Join us at the Arch of Victory for the 2026 ANZAC Day Service on Saturday 25th April. Everyone is welcome to pay tribute after the official wreath laying ceremony.

Read More »
Book cover for When Lemons Give You Life

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

20/04/2026 No Comments

When lemons give you life Anna Johnston Don’t miss Anna at the BMI on Thursday 30 April at 6.30pm Redemption is a dish best served warm… Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed, grieving and living in an aged care facility where beige slop passes for food, Griff is done

Read More »
ANZAC Day service invitation at Arch of Victory

ANZAC Day | Ballarat Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour

14/04/2026 No Comments

ANZAC Day Feel the Spirits  The Arch of Victory Avenue of Honour Committee invites you to its 2026 ANZAC Day Service at the Arch of Victory At this year’s service we are remembering the NZ in ANZAC  as 36Ballarat district soldiers and one nurse had close connections with New Zealand and 17 of them lost

Read More »

2026 BMI Appeal | Give now

13/04/2026 No Comments

A message from the President Support the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in 2026 Dear Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute supporter, In the early days of the gold rush, Ballarat was a place of extraordinary ambition. Among the diggers and merchants who built the town was a group of citizens who believed that knowledge mattered just as much as

Read More »

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

13/04/2026 No Comments

The Drowning Fiona Lowe Don’t miss Fiona at the BMI on Tuesday 21 April at 6pm A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart.  CC Cilento’s best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins, James, Ollie, Felix and

Read More »