November 23 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets How to Ruin a Child A Journey into the alarming, hilarous and ever-changing advice given to Australian parents. Richard Glover Richard will be in conversation with radio presenter Prue Bentley ‘Funny, intelligent, and very useful – it will make you trust yourself more, and relax into the moment with your kisds,…
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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,
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | What Rhymes With Murder? Read More »
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
Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Neighbourhood Watch by Lauren Williams Read More »
September 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Free Minerva Space Get tickets Angry. Grateful. Still Alive. Kate Gale A book launch for Angry. Grateful. Still Alive., the powerful memoir by Ballarat local Kate Gale. Through honesty, resilience and hope, Kate shares her journey from a breast cancer diagnosis at just 27 through multiple cancer diagnoses to becoming a passionate advocate, speaker and author.…
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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
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The Frock Shop Sophie Green Don’t miss Sophie who will be in conversation with Jane Nield talking about Sophie’s new book at BMI on 12 August at 6pm Meet the Ladies of The Frock Shop Where clothes are just the start of the story Australian bestseller Sophie Green returns with a sparkling story about the beauty of
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New Releases, Recommendations & Author Talks
Our Library | New Releases, Recommendations & Author Talks – August 2026 Read More »
September 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $11.00 Get Tickets Neighbourhood Watch Lauren Williams What Rhymes With Murder? Penny Tangey Neighbourhood Watch ‘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…
In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey | NOW CANCELLED Read More »
October 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $11.00 Get Tickets When Sullivan Met Lola Monica McInerney Monica will be in conversation with radio presenter Mary Card The eagerly awaited new novel by beloved Australian author Monica McInerney. Lola Quinlan is eighty-six. If her time on earth is running out, she’s not leaving quietly. Against the wishes of her family in South Australia, she’s…
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September 29 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $11.00 Get Tickets Styled Sally Mackinnon Sally will be in conversation with radio presenter Mary Card Personal stylist Sally Mackinnon, known to her almost 400K (Instagram & Facebook) community, brings STYLED — a warm, practical and refreshingly realistic guide to building personal style with confidence, clarity and ease. Drawing on nearly two decades of one-to-one wardrobe…
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Fundraiser for Ballarat RSL & BMI
$33 per person
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Bubbly on arrival featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop
Sunday 6 September at 2pm - Cost $65
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar
Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
