The Reading Room (2pm in the Library for a start @ 2.30pm – 4pm)

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. 
 
There will be no December meeting.
 
Expression of Interest to participate >

For more information go to

book cover
Past the Shallows | Favel Parrett

NOVEMBER SESSION

Past the Shallows | Favel Parrett

Brothers Joe, Harry and Miles live with their father, an abalone fisherman, on the south-east coast of Tasmania. Everyday their dad battles the unpredictable ocean to make a living. He is a hard man, a bitter drinker who harbours a devastating secret that is destroying him. 

Unlike Joe, Harry and Miles are too young to leave home and so are forced to live under the dark cloud of their father’s mood, trying to stay as invisible as possible whenever he is home. Harry, the youngest, is the most vulnerable and it seems he bears the brunt of his father’s anger…

January reading – More> 

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

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

19/01/2026 No Comments

The Other Child Susi Fox Don’t miss Susi & Geoff Parkes at the BMI on Wednesday 28 January at 6pm From the author of bestselling psychological thriller Mine. Reserve > The Other Child | Susi Fox Library Membership > Coming soon… find out more Get Tickets y: Our library stands on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always

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Ballart Pride Month 2026

13/01/2026 No Comments

Sunday 1 June – Monday 30 June 2026 Pride Month (June) is the month where we celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual people. We take the time to acknowledge their contributions to the world, we commemorate those we have lost and we celebrate the vibrant world of queer folks everywhere.  Full Ballarat Pride Program coming soon BMI Events 0 events found. Notice There were no results found. Notice There were no results found. Today Upcoming Upcoming Select

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Rosemary’s Book of the Week

12/01/2026 No Comments

The First Law of the Bush Geoff Parkes Don’t miss Goeff & Susi Fox at the BMI on Wednesday 28 January at 6pm From the author of When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole Reserve > The First Law of the Bush | Geoff Parkes Library Membership > Coming soon… find out more Get Tickets y: Our library stands on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians

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Ballarat Craft and Design Week: Bound

09/01/2026 No Comments

1 – 10 May 2026 Ballarat is set to launch a bold new chapter in its creative journey with the inaugural Ballarat Craft and Design Week, taking place 1-10 May 2026 at the historic Mining Exchange. Building on the success of the much-loved Craft Lab program, this new event responds to the growing needs of Ballarat’s creative ecosystem. The theme for 2026 is Bound, celebrating meaningful collaboration between craft and design practitioners, communities, and cultural industries with an emphasis on

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Newsletter – January 2026

09/01/2026 No Comments

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Public Talk – Art Workshop | The digital version of the newsletter will be available here after 5.15pm today. The interactive PDF is available here.

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