Ballarat Mechanics Institute
A treat for bibliophiles and history lovers, the Ballarat Mechanics Institute, established in 1859, is the world's most authentic example of a 19th century Mechanics' Institute.
Located in Sturt Street, this hidden treasure features a wonderful collection of old (and new) books and historic collections of bound newspaper.
Contact:
Ballarat Mechanics' Institute
117 Sturt St Ballarat 3350
Phone: 03 53 313042
The Lending Library
The Mechanics' Institute has a subscription library with low annual rates that allow a generous period of loan for books off the shelves, while also allowing access to the reference section and newspaper collections for research and browsing. For more information visit the website: www.library.org.au
Did you know?
Over 1200 Mechanics' Institutes were built in Victoria but just over 500 remain today, and only six still operate their lending library services.