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

BMI AGM 2026 – Monday 28 September, 5pm

02/09/2026 No Comments

The Institute’s 2026 Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, 28 September at 5pm | Humffray Room. All members of the Institute are invited to attend. Voting members are reminded that they can provide proxy attendance for the meeting (proxy forms are available below). Members are asked to RSVP to the meeting by Friday 25 September. RSVP here If you need any assistance to attend the 2026 AGM please email the Executive Manager or contact the Library on T:

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Penny Tangey author with What Rhymes With Murder book cover

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | What Rhymes With Murder?

24/08/2026 No Comments

What Rhymes With Murder? Penny Tangey Don’t miss Penny and Lauren Williams who will be talking about their new books (What Rhymes With Murder? & Neighbourhood Watch) at BMI on 2 September at 6pm Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime. ‘I loved this charming story about murder, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY, author of The Housemate. When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme

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Twilight Talks Season 2 2026 newsletter event programme

Newsletter – September 2026

19/08/2026 No Comments

Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks – Live Music – Film – LIve Theatre – Message from Executive Manager – fundraisers Digital version coming soon…

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Author Lauren Williams with Neighbourhood Watch book cover

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Neighbourhood Watch by Lauren Williams

17/08/2026 No Comments

Neighbourhood Watch Lauren Williams Don’t miss Lauren and Penny Tangey who will be talking about their new books (Neighbourhood Watch & What Rhymes With Murder?) at BMI on 2 September at 6pm ‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook, a generous dose of dark humour, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody,

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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 receives a call: a body has been found at the park. Once again Harper finds her family at the centre of a shocking criminal  investigation.

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