# Membership Source: https://ballaratmi.org.au/membership/ **The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute was established in 1859, to provide the community with information and learning opportunities through a library, public talks, classes and demonstrations and more, to facilitate education of the those in the community that may not otherwise have had access to these assets.** Fondly known as the BMI, the services also provided the local community with an accessible place for social, cultural and recreational gatherings. Today the bmi continues to offer these elements and is proud to have continuously provided library services since 1859. The bmi was and remains, independent, a-political, secular and inclusive and strives to appeal to a diverse community through its programming. Whilst open to the public, the institute is a membership based organisation which provides a financial base for the operations – and provides every community member the opportunity to become involved and to assist in supporting this incredibly important establishment. ## Membership levels Invest in the Ballarat community by becoming a BMI member. Membership to the organisation allows you to borrow books from the lending library, as well as discounts to BMI events and other perks. ##### Library membership (non voting) Library access and borrowing rights (six books) from our collection of contemporary books, videos and magazines. Free access to our magnificent Heritage Collection protected under Heritage Victoria as a unique mirror into the world of the 19th Century. Discounts on Institute activities such as Twilight Talks, Film Nights, Historical Discussions, evenings instigated by the BMI. Free access to the Internet via a library desktop PC or WiFi, plus discount on photocopying. Placement on BMI information circulation list and functions invitation list including a monthly newsletter. [Download Library Membership brochure](http://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/dl-library-member-single-page-double-sided-final-web.pdf) ##### Membership Subscription Click on the button below to subscribe or renew your Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute Membership. Please have your credit card details ready for payment. Please note we no longer issue membership cards. [Become a Library Member](https://ballaratmi.org.au/product/library-membership-options/) [Renew Library Subs](https://ballaratmi.org.au/product/library-membership-options/) Or, if you prefer you can make a Direct payment to our Bank Account. More > ##### Subscription Rates The following rates include GST: | Library Membership | $66 | | --- | --- | | Library Membership Concession. | $55 | | Two Year Library Membership | $121 | | Two Year Library Membership Concession | $99 | ##### Full membership (voting rights) Rights to nominate for BMI Board of management, to vote in Board elections and attend the Annual General Meeting [Download Full Membership Brochure](http://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/dl-full-member-2page-double-sided-final-electronic.pdf) No posts found! ##### Membership Subscription [Become a Voting Rights Member](https://ballaratmi.org.au/product/voting-rights-membership-options/) [Renew voting rights subs](https://ballaratmi.org.au/product/voting-rights-membership-options/) ##### Subscription Rates The following rates include GST: | Full Membership | $88 | | --- | --- | | Full Membership Concession. | $77 | ##### Corporate Membership Discounts on Institute activities such as Twilight Talks, Film Nights, Historical Discussions, evenings instigated by the BMI and meeting room hire. Invitation to the annual President’s Lunch. [Download Corporate Membership Brochure](http://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/corporate-bmi_membership-a4-final.pdf) ##### Membership Subscription [Become a Corporate Member](https://ballaratmi.org.au/product/corporate-membership/) [Renew Corporate membership](https://ballaratmi.org.au/product/corporate-membership/) ##### Subscription Rates The following rate includes GST: | Corporate Membership | $550 | | --- | --- | ##### National Australia Bank Account Name: BSB: Account Number: ##### Account Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute 083-526 51-566-7832 **New Members** If you are a new member please ensure you place ‘in reference’ on the bank transaction (Subs/and your name). Please also email: [library@ballaratmi.org.au](mailto:library@ballaratmi.org.au) or call (03) 5331 3042 to leave your details so that we can welcome you to the BMI and ensure we register you for our Newsletter. **Members Renewing** Please ensure you place ‘in reference’ on the bank transaction (Subs/and your name). ## Fundraising Events November 2026 Nov 14 14 Nov Saturday - [Fundraiser](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/fundraiser/) - [Important Dates](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/important-dates/) - [Members](https://ballaratmi.org.au/events/category/event-parent/members/) [Open Garden & Devonshire Tea - BMI Fundraiser | Errard Hall](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/open-garden-fundraiser-2026/) Errard Hall, Errard Street North Ballarat Central, City of Ballarat 3350 Australia November 14 @ 10:00 am - November 15 @ 4:00 pm $25.00 5 Errard Street North, Ballarat Central Get Tickets Take part in this important BMI fundraiser Open Garden and Devonshire Tea at Errard Hall - BMI Fundriaser Errard Hall was built in 1902. Built in the grand Victorian style, it has... $25.00 [Find out more](https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/open-garden-fundraiser-2026/) 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/)