books

Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty book cover with disco ball

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Truths Liane Moriarty Parenting teens is not for the faint of heart but Madeline, Jane and Celeste have been through worse. It’s been a decade since the school trivia night that changed their lives forever and now they’re living blissfully ordinary suburban lives. But when an anonymous grisly package arrives at the local high […]

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Monica McInerney author photo with When Sullivan Met Lola book cover

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | When Sullivan Met Lola by Monica McInerney

When Sullivan Met Lola Monica McInerney Don’t miss Monica who will be talking about her new book at BMI on  5 October at 6pm 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

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An Evening with Peter FitzSimons AM

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 celebrate his latest book about George Mallory & Edmund Hillary. Peter FitzSimons AM returns…

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Michael Robotham Tell Me Something True book cover BMI Library

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Tell Me Something True by Michael Robotham

Tell Me Something True Michael Robotham Don’t miss Michael who will be talking about his new book at BMI on 1 October at 6pm The astonishing, emotional epic from Michael Robotham: a mystery, a coming-of-age tale and a love story wrapped into one, set against the simmering tensions of a small Australian town. Small towns are

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Sally Mackinnon promotes her fashion book Styled

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Styled by Sally Mackinnon

Styled Sally Mackinnon Don’t miss Sally who will be talking about her new book at BMI on 29 September at 6pm 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

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Kerri Rogan author event promoting Witchy Sister book

In Conversation with Kerri Rogan

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 more than a fresh start. The last thing she wants is to reconnect with…

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Richard Glover author event promoting How to Ruin a Child

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 will make you trust yourself more, and relax into the moment with your kids,…

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Author Kate Gale with her book Angry Grateful Still Alive

Book Launch: Angry. Grateful. Still Alive., by Kate Gale

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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Authors Lauren Williams and Penny Tangey in conversation event poster

In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey | NOW CANCELLED

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…

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Monica McInerney author event promoting When Sullivan Met Lola

In Conversation with Monica McInerney

October 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room 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…

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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. 

BMI Fundraising Events book donation promotional image

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. 

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Vintage Fashion Parade

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

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.