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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.

Other Victorian Subscription Libraries and Mechanics Institutes  

Victoria is lucky to still boast several Mechanics Institutes and Athenaeums from the heady days of the young colony. Over the years, the institutions have changed with the communities they serviced. Amongst the diverse services they offer are adult learning opportunities, historical societies, theatres, cinemas, recreational centres, museums and community halls. The majority no longer function as lending libraries although they do make their local history collections available to interested persons.

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute was established in 1859. Its history resembles that of the Melbourne Athenaeum. They provided essential services during the colony's infancy in a centre experiencing rapid development. Success in real estate ventures provided stability and capital to continue offering recreational and educational services to the community. Like the Melbourne Athenaeum, subscriptions began to falter somewhat during the 1960s as local and State governments began funding education and libraries in the area. Today, the subscription library offers a unique Heritage Victoria registered historical collection as well as a Centre for Modern Australian Writing which promotes Australian writing through monthly events, perfectly reflecting their motto 'enlivening our present by illuminating our past'.  

Berwick Mechanics' Institute and Free Library

Operating since 1864, the Berwick Mechanics' Institute and Free Library is currently run by volunteers on grants from the local council, the City of Casey. The collection specialises in biography, war and Australiana and is supported by modern fiction and non-fiction for both adults and children. Many resources are available in large print and audio format. The library also holds the Casey Collection, the private library of Lord and Lady Casey from their Berwick home ''Edrington''. 

Footscray Mechanics' Institute Library

The Footscray Mechanics' Institute Library was established in 1857. This subscription library offers a collection of popular current materials and specialises in Mills & Boon romance fiction. It is currently developing a specialist collection of feminist history, mostly through donation.

Prahran Mechanics' Institute

The collection at this subscription library specialises in Victorian history. This is a valuable resource for historians as this is the only collection of it kind in Australia. The Prahran Mechanics' Institute also offers free public lectures and other events and operates a publishing service for authors of works about aspects of Victorian history.
The Prahran Mechanics' Institute also accommodates the Cinema and Theatre Historical Society.

Maldon Athenaeum

The Maldon Athenaeum is a vibrant volunteer run subscription library with a general, modern collection including large print and children's library. A special collection, referred to as the Maldon Collection, consists of books by authors both past and present focussing on Maldon and the Victorian Goldfields.

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

2012, Mechanics’ Institutes of Victoria, Directory of Public Library Services in Victoria 2012, viewed 22 May 2012, <http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/93290/2012-5-MIV.pdf>

Prahran Mechanic’s Institute 2012, Victorian history library, Prahran Mechanics’ Institute, viewed 22 may 2012, <http://www.pmi.net.au/>

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>

Picture credits:

Muzza from Macrae, 2011 Prhahran Mechanics’ Institute, Panoramio, viewed 22 May 2012, <http://www.panoramio.com/photo/57683936>

tickr 2008, Ballarat Mechanics' Institute, dipity.com. viewed 22 May 2012, <http://www.dipity.com/tickr/Flickr_mechanics/>

Arts Victoria 2010, Berwick Mechanics’ Institute & Free Library, Culture Victoria stories-collections-places, viewed 22 May 2012, <http://www.cv.vic.gov.au/organisations/2923/berwick%20mechanics%20institute%20&%20free%20library%20inc/>

awmalloy 2006, Footscray Mechanics’ Institute Library, awmalloy’s photostream , flickr, viewed 22 May 2012, <http://www.flickr.com/photos/awmalloy/175235801/in/photostream/>

Mattinbgn 2011, Maldon Athenaeum, Wikipedia Commons, viewed 2 May 2012, <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maldon_Athenaeum.JPG>

The Melbourne Athenaeum Library 

The pleasure of words

The Melbourne Athenaeum Library is a subscription library. The objects of the institution, as stated in the Rules and Privacy policy are the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members. To become a member, an application must be signed and approved by the Committee and, if required provide the names of two reputable persons as referees, and pay the applicable subscription. Application forms are only available from the library staff. Amongst the benefits that members enjoy are a constantly evolving catalogue of books, journals and other items, book clubs, invitations to author talks, special events and functions, computer/internet access and tea and coffee making facilities. For members who are unable to physically visit the library, postal memberships are available where books are sent to members. Children can also join the Ath Kid's Club and participate in activities and children's author visits. 
The Melbourne Athenaeum is managed by a committee elected at the annual general meetings. The offices of President, Vice President and Treasurer are supported by seven general committee members. The committee is responsible for managing the business and affairs of the Melbourne Athenaeum including the appointment and dismissal of salaried officers, the leasing of all or parts of the principal address of the institution and authorising payments. Several staff and volunteers ensure the smooth running of the Library. Run for the benefit of members, the Melbourne Athenaeum seeks longevity by providing excellent customer service and being responsive to members' needs. For activities of the institution to be wound up or assets sold off, consent by not less than three quarters of the Members who are entitled to vote must be achieved at a Special General Meeting of which notice specifying the intention to wind up the institution must be given.

  
Tenants of the Athenaeum building have always added to the cultural richness of Melbourne life. The main tenant today is the Athenaeum Theatre, which hosts dramatic, comedic and musical shows. The Last Laugh Comedy Club is a long term tenant of the Athenaeum and has presented local and international comedians to Australian audiences. Currently, a season of Shakespeare's Henry IV is being staged by the Australian Shakespeare Company. Internationally renowned musical acts such as Gotye have also graced the stage.

Fine dining is available at Bistrot d'Orsay, a classic French bistro with a Mediterranean twist, offering an extensive Australian and international wine list. To complete the delightful experience, tenant the Opal Gallery specialise in fine 18ct and 9 ct jewelry and excellent customer service.

2008, Rules & Privacy Policy, The Melbourne Athenaeum Incorporated, Melbourne, <http://www.melbourneathenaeum.org.au/images/stories/pdf/rules%20content.pdf>

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

Picture credits:

Collins Street Precinct 2011, The Melbourne Athenaeum Library, viewed 20 May 2012,   <http://collinsstreet.com.au/catalogue/xmas-2011/the-melbourne-athenaeum-library-3/>

Jetsetting Joyce, 2010, HOT: Melbourne Open House, Viewed 20 May 2012, <http://www.melhotornot.com/hot-melbourne-open-house-melbourne/>

JizzyMcJizz 2007 Gotye – Thanks for your time [Melbourne 11.08.2007], youtube, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjClazuQ7GY>