books

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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Book cover of Things With Teeth By Moonlight by P.A. Swanborough

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Things With Teeth By Moonlight by P.A. Swanborough

Things With Teeth By Moonlight P.A. Swanborough Don’t miss Pam who will be in conversation with Rebecca Fletcher talking about Pam’s new book at BMI on 23 September at 6pm Things With Teeth by Moonlight is an illustrated multi-genre collection of flash, micro-fiction and short stories covering loss, revenge, affection, and spending too much time in

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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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Penny Tangey author with What Rhymes With Murder book cover

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | What Rhymes With Murder?

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,

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Author Lauren Williams with Neighbourhood Watch book cover

Rosemary’s Book of the Week | Neighbourhood Watch by Lauren Williams

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

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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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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.