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

A Tale of Two Cities | Charles Dickens

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.

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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.

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

All In for Reconciliation National Reconciliation Week 2026 poster

National Reconciliation Week

27/05/2026 No Comments

National Reconciliation Week City of Ballarat Ballarat National Reconciliation Week Flagraising National Reconciliation Week. 27th May-3rd June The City of Ballarat and Community partners are ‘All In’ with a National Reconciliation Week Launch to Mark the Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. 9:30am Join Wadawurrung Elder and WTOAC members, with the City of Ballarat Mayor and KEAG Advisory Committee for this flagraising followed by 10:15am Panel event and light catering. When: Wednesday 27th May Where: 225 Sturt St Flag Poles and across the road

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Queer Blak and Deadly newsletter featuring guest host Steven Oliver

Newsletter – June 2026

25/05/2026 No Comments

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Minerva’s Secrets – Message from the Chair – Pride Month – Digital version coming soon…

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A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | June 2026

25/05/2026 No Comments

May unfolded as another vibrant and exciting month for the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute with new activities and visitors weaving throughout an already busy regular schedule. From the Board’s perspective, it was a month that truly demonstrated both the strength of our cultural identity and the challenges that accompany our growing momentum. I hope many of you were able to join us for Ballarat Heritage Festival weekend, we were delighted to be open during this period, including the Sunday, to showcase

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Executive Manager Update – June 2026 – Library Services

25/05/2026 No Comments

Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey | Author Talks Most of you know Rosemary as calmly going about her business, recommending good reads, understanding your reading habits knowing what you’ve read and what you like, accommodate you when you want a series by a certain writer. The truth is like an effortlessly gliding duck, her legs are going like the clappers, not only making sure subs are paid, chasing up overdue books, sourcing new reads, welcoming visitors but also speaking

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Stage Ready Industry Workshops – Liam Mudge, Venue Manager

25/05/2026 No Comments

Stage Ready -Industry Workshops. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute recently delivered the first practical workshop for Stage Ready, our new live production and events training initiative focused on creating practical pathways into the industry for regional participants. Held in the Minerva Ballroom, the workshop introduced participants to staging, lighting, audio, venue operations and live production workflows within a working venue environment. Industry mentors and BMI staff led practical demonstrations and discussions drawn from their own experience working across live events, technical production

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The Second Wife by Ali Lowe BMI Library Book of the Week

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

25/05/2026 No Comments

The Second Wife Ali Lowe The Fairchild family have it all. But as Sydney Harbour Bridge starts to disappear in the rear-view window of the luxury liner, so too does any pretence that this is a happy family. Unbeknownst to his children, CEO and patriarch Irving had planned to use the cruise to reveal his long-awaited succession plans. As glasses clink and elaborate dinners are served to the most notorious of Sydney’s elite, it will soon become all too clear

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