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In 1800 George Birkbeck, in Glasgow, had the germ of an idea for journeymen mechanics.

In 1824, the first institute in the full sense of the term was organized by Birbeck in London.

It was proposed in 1826 that "evening schools and Mechanics' Institutes for young men" be formed at Sydney, Parramatta, Liverpool and Windsor in New South Wales, however nothing came of this proposal at this time.

Early in 1827 the master tradesmen of Hobart took steps to organize the Van Diemen's Land Mechanics' Institute, the objects of which were said to be "the protection of trade and the promotion of knowledge among its members. It was established in 1829 with a grant of land by the Governor, Colonel George Arthur."

  In Sydney, 1833 saw the establishment of a committee and it was decided to hold classes on various subjects four nights a week, to organize a series of lectures, and to establish a library.

Institutes were formed in Adelaide in 1838 and Melbourne in 1839.

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute was formed in 1857. *     See also early days at the BMI

The Ballarat East Fire station was the first site until building was completed at the present site in Sturt Street.
This new site comprised a reading room, lecture room, and two class rooms on the ground floor, and a large hall occupying the whole of the upper story. At the end of the ninth year, the shelves of the library, with nine thousand volumes, were in urgent need of more space, and it was decided to expand. The tenth annual report suggested a building "which should furnish accommodation equal if not superior to that offered by any institution of the same kind in the Australian colonies."
This 1869 addition included the facade we now see, a new first floor lending library, offices for tenants, and a fourth floor room.

Lending library , first floor,1909

Many changes in use and structure of the building were made during the years, including a new verandah, the conversion of the upstairs hall to a picture theatre, a restaurant in the basement, a wine cellar, billiard room, a smoking room and vestibule.

In 1935 the Ballarat Stock Exchange building adjoining the west side of the reading room, was purchased, and the lending library moved to this more convenient and larger room, and integrated within the original building. The lending library is still retained here.

Woodcut of original concept of the building. Click on image to enlarge.

* The official name is 'Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute', however the contemporary spelling of 'Ballarat' is used here to enable searching for keywords etc.on the internet. The derivation is from the aboriginal term 'balla-arat'.