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The Melbourne Athenaeum has a long illustrious history, stretching almost to the beginnings of the city of Melbourne itself. Throughout this time, the library has provided Melbourne with educational and leisure services that enhanced the city's cultural life. Beginning as Mechanics' Institute and School of Art, the institution became a place for social meetings and cultural gatherings. It is one of the few Mechanics' Institutes in Victoria to maintain a lending library throughout the course of its history.  


Unfortunately, limited information about this fascinating institution is available, either digitally or in the form of published books. This is partially due to the challenging economics situations that face subscriber libraries in Victoria today. The Melbourne Athenaeum would rather use limited funds to improve the collection and services offered to members. Therefore the institution relies on volunteers to archive its history and advocate for its future.  

Subscriber libraries in Victoria today fill a niche for the communities they serve. The Melbourne Athenaeum provides a secluded refuge from the bustle of the city where members can enjoy leisure reading in a relaxing atmosphere or research without distractions. 


By joining the Melbourne Athenaeum, or indeed the local Mechanics' Institute Library in your area, you become a link in the chain that ties history to the future. You will find a vital community with many and varied interests and discover 'the pleasure of words'.   







2012, Melbourne Athenaeum, Open House Melbourne, viewed 26 May 2012, <http://melbourneopenhouse.org/cms-buildings/the-melbourne-athenaeum.phps>

2012, Melbourne Athenaeum Library, www.zenocm.com.au, viewed 25 May 2012 <http://www.zenocm.com.au/index.php?option=com_sobipro&pid=4&sid=12:The-Melbourne-Athenaeum-Library&Itemid=157>

Arts Hub 2012, The Melbourne Athenaeum Library, ArtsHub Holdings, viewed 26 May 2012, <http://www.artshub.com.au/au/directory/company/victoria/-/museums-and-libraries/the-melbourne-athenaeum-library-122385>

Australian and New Zealand Association of Antiquarian Booksellers (ANZAAB) 2012, Transformed books, Rare book week, viewed 26 May 2012, <http://www.rarebookweek.com/programguide.php>

Clancy, Frances 2000, The libraries of the Mechanics’ Institutes of Victoria, Department of Infrastructure, viewed 22 May 2012, <http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/37918/LibrariesMechanicsInstitutesVictoria.pdf>

Dwyer, Judith 2012, Mechanics’ Institutes of Victoria, viewed 22 May 2012, <http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mivic/institutes.htm>

Harris, Narelle 2010, Melbourne Athenaeum Library, viewed 16 May 2012, <http://melbourneliterary.sutromedia.com/melbourne-athenaeum-library.html#>

Lowden, Bronwyn 2010, Mechanics' Institutes, Schools of Arts, Athenaeums, etc.: An Australian Checklist - 3rd Edition. Lowden Publishing, Donvale, Victoria.

Mechanics' Worldwide 2004 2004, Buildings, Books and Beyond: Mechanics' Worldwide Conference 2004 - Proceedings of the first International Conference convened by the Prahran Mechanics' Institute, Prahran Mechanics’ Institute, Prahran, Victoria.

Melbourne Athenaeum 2009, The Melbourne Athenaeum : A journal of the history of a Melbourne institute, Melbourne Athenaeum, Melbourne.