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 great new initiative. 
 
Expression of Interest to participate >

 

JULY SESSION

The discussion in July will not be on a pre-determined book but will be a readers choice format.

For more information go to

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

Stage Ready: Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, supporting arts in regional and remote Australia.

14/08/2026 No Comments

Stage Ready programs will be listed here as they are confirmed. The BMI has received funding to launch Stage Ready — a new non-formal technical-theatre training program for regional creatives. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (BMI) is pleased to announce it has secured $22,946 to deliver Stage Ready, a training program designed to support emerging production talent and

Read More »
Red Lake by Jason Summers, Rosemary's Book of the Week

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Red Lake by Jason Summers

10/08/2026 No Comments

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

Read More »
The Frock Shop by Sophie Green, Rosemary's Book of the Week

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | The Frock Shop by Sophie Green

03/08/2026 No Comments

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

Read More »
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute Trivia Night Fundraiser promotional poster

Trivia Night Fundraiser

29/07/2026 No Comments

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

Read More »
Cold River by Margaret Hickey, Rosemary's Book of the Week

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Cold River by Margaret Hickey

27/07/2026 No Comments

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

Read More »