Book sale boosts BMI services

THE Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s annual book sale began last weekend in the lending library, raising funds to support the organisation’s member services.

BMI members, volunteers, and people from the broader community donated hundreds of books, which raised $1200 on Saturday.

With stock overflowing, and the need to raise money while they cannot safely run their usual program of events or attract as many attendees, BMI cultural development and services manager Mark Potter said the sale will continue this weekend on Saturday, 29 January, 9am to 2pm.

“We mostly have novels and fiction, but we have come cookery and garden books,” he said.

“The prices generally range between $2 and $5, and some pictorial books are little bit more expensive at $10, but that’s very few.

“We’ve been finding it really challenging putting on events and getting people to come, so this sale really helps fund our member services and is a tremendous support for that work, especially the management of our collection, ensuring books are in presentable order.”

The team running the sale will adhere to COVID-19 capacity restrictions in the library, but they expect a steady run of customers, similar to last week.

The BMI Library is currently operating on limited hours to try and keep their facilities safely open and accessible to the community without any COVID-forced closures.

It is open 10am to 2pm on weekdays, and after the book sale, will be open 9.30am to 12pm on Saturdays.