Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute


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Who's Online

There are currently, 10 guest(s) and 0 member(s) that are online.

New Report

Report on Volunteer Workers at the BMI

Planning, Recruiting and and Caring for Volunteer Workers at the BMI.
This report is now available for download and for your feedback!

The Ballaarat Mechanics'
Institute (BMI)

150 Anniversary

In the heart of Ballarat since 1859

ILLUMINATING our PAST

ENLIVENING our PRESENT

ENVISAGING our FUTURE

BMI is a major community-owned cultural organisation providing a range of services including:

a heritage print and archival collection of documents and objects;
rooms for leasing and hiring for all types of functions and activities;
a subscription-based library offering both modern, classic and non-fiction old and rare books;
community activities such as "twilight talks", book club, guided tours.

View a slideshow of the history of the Mechanics' Institute

Friends of Minerva

Stories from the past!

The heritage materials within the Institute provide a treasury of interesting stories, anecdotes, poems, recipes, illustrations from much of the nineteenth century.

View a slideshow of the History of the Nineteenth Century in pictures and text followed by some research suggestions.

The aim of the Friends of Minerva is "to assist in the promotion, support and enjoyment of the Mechanics' Institute". Find out more about:

List of Our Sponsors

Photos of the Mechanics!

Lending Library

Library

When you enroll you may borrow any books from the shelves that are designated as available for loan. This includes the latest novels, fiction and non-fiction, as well as some selected early publications, post 1950.

See some of the latest titles on the new books page, find the historical texts on the database , join the Saturday Book Club or request the Librarian to research through our newspaper collection.

South Street Competitions

Form for hire of Humffray Room and Theatre Foyer.

Members' Newsletter - May 2009 (480Kb)

Articles of Association

The Committee of the Institute is proposing to update the Articles of Association. See the Newsletter above for explanations. The existing Articles and proposed changes are shown on the draft below.

Comments and suggestions can be made by email to the BMI bmilibrary@ncable.net.au or in writing left at the library desk and marked for the attention of the President.

Articles of Association - Draft(64Kb)

Book Clubs 2009

The 2009 Book Clubs are listed here

Winter Twilight Talks

The Winter series are now being offered. Click here for the schedule.

Talks begin at 5.00pm at the Mechanics' Institute with light refreshments and a chat. The cost is $5 per session or $25 for the six sessions.

Under Minerva's Gaze

A new book will be released to celebrate the Mechanics' 150th year. Download the book request form

1887, a Snapshot

Life in 1887

A pictorial view of life in Europe, 1887. Click here...

Publishers Weekly

Publisher Weekly Fiction News

An online site for the latest information on the publication of fiction books

Heritage News

Recipes

Phillip E Muskett was a well-known author in the late nineteenth century. One of his best-known books is "The Art of Living in Australia." (c1900) This book contains many recipes, including the following 50 soup recipes!

Monthly Article

Poetry & Prose

The nineteenth century was strong on poetry, music and prose. The following excerpts are from Anna Wales Abbott 1853. A publication entitled:Autumn Leaves!