National Science Week
13/12/2025
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15 – 23 August | As BMI associated events are confirmed they will be listed HERE.
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 >
For more information go to
APRIL SESSION
A Tale of Two Cities | Charles Dickens
After eighteen years as a political prisoner in the Bastille, the ageing Doctor Manette is finally released and reunited with his daughter in England. There the lives of two very different men, Charles Darnay, an exiled French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a disreputable but brilliant English lawyer, become enmeshed through their love for Lucie Manette. From the tranquil lanes of London, they are drawn against their will to the vengeful, bloodstained streets of Paris at the height of the Reign of Terror, and they soon fall under the lethal shadow of La Guillotine.
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
BMI Monthly Calendar 2026
12/12/2025
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$40 – limited stock This year our 2026 calendar will feature twelve illustrations from the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute heritage book collection. All funds raised will go towards supporting the BMI – a not-for-profit community-owned organisation, continuing to share knowledge through our library and associated member services, providing a unique place to engage with history, and a vibrant hub for community events. The Calendar: If you would like to purchase the calendar we will make them available at the library for pick-up, and, we will notify you by email as soon as these are available. They
Library closure Festive Season
10/12/2025
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The Library will be closed from Monday 22 December and re-opening on Monday 5 January 2026 We wish you a Merry Christmas. Special Membership offer Please remember we still have our Special Membership offer (only $50) running through to 5 January However if you wish to offer membership as a Christmas Gift we can arrange a voucher for you to pick up from the Library desk prior to 20 December. Purchase here
Celebrating our Volunteers & Members
09/12/2025
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We hope everyone enjoyed our Members and Volunteers Christmas Thank you. We loved having the Ballarat Singers and The Little Brass Band entertain and share the celebration. Below is special 12 Days of Christmas composed just for us by Fiona Watson and the team. Paula Nicholson The BMI’s 12 Days of Christmas On the first day of Christmas Mechanics gave to me A year’s membership for free. On the second day of Christmas Mechanics gave to me Two Twilight Talks
Ballarat Organs & Fine Music Festival
08/12/2025
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9 -13 January 2026 Each January, the Ballart Goldfields come alive with beautiful music, warm community spirit, and the glow of summer. Over five inspiring days audiences are invited to experience world-class performances in the region’s historic churches and grand heritage venues. Ballarat Organs & Fine Music Full Program. Festival Events at the BMI BMI events will be listed here as information becomes available. 1 event found. Today Upcoming Upcoming Select date. List of events in Photo View Ballarat Festival
Rosemary’s Book of the Week
08/12/2025
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The Hidden Bryan Brown The heads was once a small village on the NSW north coast. Now it’s a large village with a lot of action below the surface. A shipment of coke, a crime quad investigation and a drug overdose keep the local sergeant pretty busy. Someone is preying on the women of The Heads. And what does the discovery of buried roosters in the forest mean to a young boy? Will Sergeant William Jarrett uncover what is really
