Book club for The Reading Room

A NEW reading and discussion group is launching at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute library.

The Reading Room is a free book club that will be led by volunteers and meet monthly in the BMI’s historic and spectacular Heritage Reading Room.

BMI cultural development and services manager Mark Potter said the member initiative is planned to launch later in October, pandemic restrictions permitting.

“We’re starting up a group for members to get them engaged in the library in particular, and we hope to start it on the 25th of October,” he said.

“It’s only going to be a small group, between five and 15 maximum, because we’d like to keep it intimate and in a safe place in terms of COVID rules and regulations.

“In the Heritage Reading Room, we can create such a lovely atmosphere. Out of the readings will fall enlightening discussions.”

Two books have been selected by volunteers for October and November; Linda Olsson’s Let me sing you gentle songs, and Favel Parrett’s Past the Shallows.

Those interested in joining The Reading Room are required to be registered BMI members. If they are not already, they can easily become a part of the Institute’s community.

“Members can utilise the lending library and important research facilities here, with our collection of heritage books and newspapers.

“They can gain access to our librarian’s new releases every month, and get discounts to events that we host,” Mr Potter said.

If you would like to express your interest in attending The Reading Room monthly, head to bit.ly/3lfWW3K, register your details, let BMI volunteers know your weekday and time preferences for the monthly meetings, and whether you need any support with venue accessibility.

Three other established book clubs run from the BMI library. For more information, contact [email protected].