books

In Conversation with Sophie Green

August 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets The Frock Shop Sophie Green Sophie will be in conversation with radio presenter Jane Nield 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 the second-hand, the power of second chances, and becoming…

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Benita Bensch author event promoting book Seen Again

In Conversation with Benita Bensch | Now CANCELLED

July 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $11.00 Humffray Room Get Tickets Seen Again: Light On Matrescence Benita Bensch Seen Again is a modern companion through matrescence, the profound transition of becoming a mother. Matrescence is a biological, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual transformation that can leave mothers without the language or support to make sense of who they are. Many feel disconnected or 

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In Conversation with Mark Smith

June 23 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $11.78 Humffray Room Get Tickets Where Truth Ends Mark Smith What if everything you believed in was a lie? Truth and betrayal collide in the new Mark Smith thriller, perfect for fans of Christian White and Lisa Jewell. Meg Maher thought she was doing the right thing. Now she’s on the run. When a peaceful climate

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Author Anna Johnston promotional image with book cover

In Conversation with Anna Johnston

April 30 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm $11.78 Humffray Room Get Tickets When lemons give you life Anna Johnston ‘Smart, authentic and full of heart’ – Graeme Simsion From the author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife Redemption is a dish best served warm… Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite for life. Widowed, grieving and living in an aged care

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In Conversation with Fiona Lowe

April 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $11.78 Humffray Room Get Tickets The Drowning Fiona Lowe Authentically Australian, Fiona Lowe’s stories are often triggered by a secret or a mystery, and they explore the themes of family, community and second chances. Described as gripping, thought-provoking, heart-warming and ultimately uplifting, Lowe’s books have been praised for their emotional depth. A body on the beach.

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In Conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae

March 24 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm $11.78 Humffray Room Get Tickets The Romanov Secret Chrissie Bellbrae A priceless Fabergé jewel.  An empire on the brink of revolution.  A love to dangerous to reveal. A celebrated artist’s painting holds clues to long-held family secrets and lives under threat, long after the fall of the Russian Empire. 1898: When the legitimacy of Grand Duchess

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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.