16/11/2024 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Free STELLA DAY OUT: Travel Writing | Adriane Howell and Favel Parrett in conversation with Fiona Sweet. | 16 November 3pm – 4pm | Free.
26/10/2024 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Free Humffray Room Squat John Safran. An unmissable opportunity to hear John Safran recount his time squatting in a celebrity’s abandoned mansion. Enquiries: Any event specific enquires should be direct to Collins Booksellers on Lydiard Free. Bookings Collins Booksellers, Ballart on Lydiard This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People
In conversation with John Safran | Now moved to The George Hotel Read More »
30/11/2024 @ 10:00 am – 01/12/2024 @ 2:00 pm Free Lending Library Books priced from $1 – more for collectable items. Image, artist impression only | Photo by | helloiamtugce Don’t miss our book sale this weekend. Admission and parking are free (one hour on Saturday, all day Sunday). There are hundreds of books – some of which are in gently used condition and some
Summer Book Sale | Stockpile for the holidays Read More »
21/10/2024 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm $10 Humffray Room The Valley Chris Hammer. The sins of the father | The love of a daughter | The secrets that divide them. The international bestselling author of: Scrublands & The Seven The latest stunning thriller from the bestselling author of Scrublands and The Seven. Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic are back – and Nell is thrown
In Conversation with Chris Hammer Read More »
16/11/2024 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Free STELLA DAY OUT: Writing about the Future | Kate Mildenhall in conversation with Van Badham | 16 November 1pm – 2pm | Free
30/10/2024 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm $10 Humffray Room Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret Benjamin Stevenson. Strap yourself in for Christmas hijinks, done the way only Benjamin Stevenson can.’ Hayley Scrivenor An ingenious and hilarious meta-murder mystery. – Sunday Times When a Christmas show takes a dark turn after a magician’s guillotine trick goes awry, who should be in the front
In Conversation with Benjamin Stevenson Read More »
11/11/2024 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm $10 Humffray Room Get Tickets The Golden Thread Tea Cooper. Intricate threads from the past and the present bind together a yellow silk dress, lost gold and a missing grandmother in a twisty historical mystery from the bestselling author of: The Talented Mrs Greenway. Maitland, 1889When nineteen-year-old Constance Montague wakes one Wednesday she expects the day
In Conversation with Tea Cooper Read More »
19/09/2024 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm $10 Heritage Reading Room From the Top T.L.W. Robb. From Ballarat to Baghdad – an extraordinary life. Traveller – Outlaw – Producer. A moving and inspiring memoir of a young man and his journey from Ballarat, Australia, to the international stage where he and his partner Luis Moreno, produced showstopping Moulin Rouge and Las Vegas style
In Conversation with T.L.W. Robb | From The Top: From Ballarat to Baghdad Read More »
22/07/2024 @ 10:30 am – 27/07/2024 @ 3:00 pm RARE BOOK WEEK | This Vintage Book Sale will feature a variety of titles including fiction and non-fiction.
Rare Book Week | BMI Vintage Book Sale Read More »
26/07/2024 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Free RARE BOOK WEEK | Introduction to the BMI Collection, rare and valuable items.
Rare Book Week Melbourne | Regional Event | Introduction to the BMI Collection Read More »
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.
