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The Reading Room

The Reading Room is a member run book reading and discussion group that meets monthly,  all are welcome to join but you must be or become a member. The sessions are free and when possible will be held in our Heritage Reading Room. The titles discussed will be published in our monthly newsletter and social media and Latest Library News on this website. 
If you wish to participate please register your interest via the link below.
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A Note from Greta | Turning pages,  Jane Sullivan, The age

Below is a note from Greta after the October Reading and Discussion Let me sing you gentle Songs | Linda Olsson. She has also found a wonderful article by Jane Sullivan on the benefits and successes of book clubs.

reading – oCT 21
Book summary
Let me sing you gentle songs | Linda Olsson
events page
reading nOV 21
Book summary
book cover
Past the Shallows | Favel Parrett
events page
Reading – jAN 22 
Book summary
events page
reading fEB 22 
Book summary
The Dictionary of Lost Words | Pip Williams
events page

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Tours

The BMI can provide public tours of the building. Get in touch with us to book in a tour for your group.

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with Fiona Lowe

Tue 21 April at 6pm. 

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Minerva's Secrets Night Tours

Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults

Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm. 

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Linen & Lace Exhbition

Includes Devonshire Tea | $20

Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm

BMI Fundraiser tickets here

Remembrance Day:

A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia

Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm. 

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Thu 16 Oct – 19 Oct 

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 Coming soon…

Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns

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 Coming soon…

Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.

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Raise a Glass for Brass. 

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm. 

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Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm. 

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 Coming in November…

Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey

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Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

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Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

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Ballart Seniors Festival 

Celebrate at the BMI.

 October 2025. 

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with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm. 

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with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm. 

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Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

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portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm. 

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guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

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portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm. 

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Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Performance tickets
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Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

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Spring Season, History Talks:

Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm. 

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Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May. 

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Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Performance tickets
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Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

BMI Fundraiser tickets here
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The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar

Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40

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Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing

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