The Reading Room (2pm in the Library for a start @ 10.30am – 12noon)
JUNE SESSION
Here are forty texts to read at some stage in your life- forty texts that can enrich you in all manner of ways. Some are recent, like Harry Potter; some ancient, like Homer and Lao Tzu. There are memoirs (Nelson Mandela), poetry (Les Murray) and many of the world’s great novels, from George Eliot’s Middlemarch to Toni Morrison’s Beloved. Our guide, in entertaining short essays about personal encounters with each of these works, is Michael McGirr- schoolteacher and former priest, reviewer of hundreds of novels and lifelong lover of literature.
His humour and insight shine through in stories that connect the texts he has selected with each other, and connect us to them. Never prescriptive, and often very funny, this book is an invitation to reflect on-and share with others-the extraordinary gift of reading. ‘It is a gift that is taking me a lifetime to unwrap,? McGirr writes. ‘The excitement has never worn off.?
About the Author
Michael McGirr is the bestselling author of Snooze- The Lost Art of Sleep, Things You Get for Free and Bypass. He has reviewed almost one thousand books for various newspapers; his short fiction has appeared in Australian and overseas publications; and he has been a publisher of Eureka Street and fiction editor at Meanjin.
Review a title
Why not review a book for the benefit of our members. We will publish these reviews in our social media and website from time to time.
This event is a BMI Community Art Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution
Events Program Diversity I have heard from many members lately that they are thrilled and excited to see all the programming diversity and the level of activity now becoming the norm not the exception in our monthly newsletters. This has indeed been a focus for us through all areas of the business, so it’s terrific
21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke, a THEATRE 180 production Held at BMI 10 & 11 July 2026 Many thanks to the BMI Crew & Audience We are constantly moved and overwhelmed by the connection of these brave nurses to people all over Australia and the keen interest by patrons
Women of the Well 170 Sturt Street – pop in to say hello to Mary & Mary No strangers to the BMI as they supported our Design Markets here in the Minerva Space. We wish them well in their new enterprise. Their shop at 170 Sturt Street certainly enhances our little shopping strip. Open Monday
Lest Angels Weep Phillipa Nefri Clark Don’t miss Phillipa who will be in conversation with Kate Atkinson talking about Phillipa’s new book at BMI on 29 July at 6pm The new case is cold. Stone cold. Until another murder with striking similarities rocks a remote outback town. Detective Liz Moorland is desperate to get out
19 June – 22 June | As events are confirmed they will be listed HERE.
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
