# Library Source: https://ballaratmi.org.au/library/ ## Our Library Formally known as the Batten Room ##### Borrowing The BMI Collections includes hardback, paperback, DVDs, and talking book cassettes across a number of genres including latest releases and old favourites in crime fiction, mystery and suspense, Scandinavian thrillers, great Australian writers, and a great range of non-fiction titles. Plus, there are complete sets of ‘same character’ series – numbered in sequence on the spine. Despite the library operating in a heritage space, everything that could be expected in a modern library can be found at the BMI, such as free internet access, photocopying, local daily newspapers and a reading area with comfortable armchairs. ##### New Releases New books are added to the collection for borrowing each month, which will be in our monthly newsletter. [Newsletter](https://ballaratmi.org.au/news-and-newsletters/) ##### Rosemary’s Recommendations Find out more about this month’s New Releases and Recommendations. Recommendations ##### Books for Sale Now and again the collection is reviewed and some surplus, duplicate or non-current titles are made available for sale in the library. Members also donate books to the library giving us the opportunity to replace and rejuvenate existing contemporary stock or even our Heritage Collection. Keep an eye on our Newsletter and Events Page for Book Sale dates. [Events Calendar](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/) ##### Author talks We regularly host author talks in the Library, these events are open to all and we would love to see you there, keep an eye on our Talks page. Author Talks ##### Book Clubs If you would like to become a member of our Library run Book Clubs, please contact the Librarian to register your interest. T: (03) 5331 3042 E: [library@ballaratmi.org.au](mailto:library@ballaratmi.org.au) ##### Library subscription Why not become a member of the BMI community, you will not only have access to our contemporary library but to our historical collection and discounts on selected BMI events. [Become a member](https://ballaratmi.org.au/membership/) ##### Donations We happily take delivery of pre-loved books that are in good condition (during regular library operating hours) to supplement our library or include in our fundraising book sales. To enquire please contact the Librarian. [library@ballaratmi.org.au](mailto:library@ballaratmi.org.au) [Book of the Week](https://ballaratmi.org.au/news-and-newsletters/) ### Rosemary’s new releases & recommendations ##### Book of the Month ![Book cover of The Cairo Bridal Shop by Tess Woods](https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/the-cairo-bridal-shop-tess-woods-v2-669x1024.webp) [Latest Titles](https://ballaratmi.org.au/new-titles-and-recommendations-october-2026/) ## Heritage Book Collection Whilst it is not possible to borrow our Heritage Collection of books, members are able to able to do so in the Heritage Reading Room (fragile items may need to be viewed under the guidance of the Heritage Collection Team). Our Heritage Collection Database is currently being transitioned to an upgraded system, unfortunately electonic access to the collection isn’t currently available. We apologise for this inconvenience. We will advise via our newsletter when this transition has been completed. If there is something specific that you are looking for, please contact the Librarian. **Updated 17/07/2025** Full Heritage Collection Database - Not currently available ### Library Events October 2026 Oct 28 28 Oct Wednesday - [Author Talk](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/library/author-talk/) - [Twilight Talks](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/twilight-talks-2/) [Twilight Talks: Season 2, The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party.](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-season-2-the-light-on-the-hill-an-updated-history-of-the-australian-labor-party/) BMI – Humffray Room, level 2, 117-119 Sturt Street Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Australia October 28 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm $9 – $13 Get Tickets The Light on the Hill: An Updated History of the Australian Labor Party. by Ross McMullin Speaker: Ross McMullin The Light on the Hill The Light on the Hill is Ross McMullin’s acclaimed commissioned history of the... $9 – $13 [Find out more](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-season-2-the-light-on-the-hill-an-updated-history-of-the-australian-labor-party/) November 2026 Nov 04 04 Nov Wednesday - [Author Talk](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/library/author-talk/) - [Library](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/library/) [In Conversation with Kerri Rogan](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-kerri-rogan-november/) November 4 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets Witchy Sister Kerri Rogan Kerri will be in conversation with Siobhan Rogan Some homes never forget the people they belong to. After the death of her mother and the breakdown of her marriage, Kate Laird wants nothing... $11.00 [Find out more](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-kerri-rogan-november/) Nov 10 10 Nov Tuesday - [Author Talk](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/library/author-talk/) - [Library](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/library/) [An Evening with Peter FitzSimons AM](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/an-evening-with-peter-fitzsimons-bmi-26/) BMI – Minerva Space, level 1, 117-119 Sturt Street Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 November 10 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm $10.00 Minerva Room Get Tickets The Race To The Top Of The World The Epic Lives of George Mallory & Edmund Hillary And the Quest to Conquer Everest Peter FitzSimons Australia's bestselling non-fiction writer Peter FitzSimons AM will be in Ballarat to... $10.00 [Find out more](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/an-evening-with-peter-fitzsimons-bmi-26/) Nov 23 23 Nov Monday - [Author Talk](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/library/author-talk/) - [Library](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/library/) [In Conversation with Richard Glover](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-richard-glover/) November 23 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets How to Ruin a Child Richard Glover Richard will be in conversation with radio presenter Prue Bentley A Journey into the alarming, hilarous and ever-changing advice given to Australian parents. 'Funny, intelligent, and very useful - it... $11.00 [Find out more](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-richard-glover/) December 2026 Dec 12 12 Dec Saturday - [Fundraiser](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/fundraiser/) - [Library](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/library/) [Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Christmas reading](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-reward-yourself-with-some-excellent-christmas-reading/) Lending Library, Sturt Street Ballarat Central, Victoria 3350 Australia December 12 @ 10:00 am - December 13 @ 2:00 pm Free Books priced from $5 - more for collectable items. The perfect gift for every bookworm! The BMI Library's Book Sale is your chance to find a wonderful read at a great price. Don't miss our book sale this... Free [Find out more](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-reward-yourself-with-some-excellent-christmas-reading/) May 2027 May 01 01 May Saturday - [Fundraiser](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/fundraiser/) - [Library](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/library/) [Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Autumn reading](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-reward-yourself-with-some-excellent-autumn-reading/) 01/05/2027 @ 10:00 am - 02/05/2027 @ 2:00 pm Free Books priced from $5 - more for collectable items. Discover hidden treasures at The BMI Library Book Sale! Browse through a wonderful collection of books and more this autumn season. Don't miss our book sale this weekend. Admission and parking... Free [Find out more](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-reward-yourself-with-some-excellent-autumn-reading/) ## Who was Mr Batten The lending library plays a major role in the life of the institute and services over 600 members. For most of its years it has been known as the “Reading Room” but was renamed the “Batten Room” in 2000. This was to recognise the first of two paid BMI secretaries and head Librarians: WH Batten and his son HC Batten. Between them they served in these positions for 92 years: remarkable terms of office. William served from 1859 – 1910 and Harry from 1910 – 1951. William had two wives (the first died) and 19 children. The lending library is part of the original 1860 building that comprised the reading room, library, office and two classrooms on the ground floor. A large hall, capable of accommodating 1200 people occupied the upper floor. The building cost around £3400. **Learn more about the history of the BMI. [Book a tour.](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/tours/)**