Prahran Mechanics' Institute facts for kids
Quick facts for kids PMI Victorian History Library Inc. |
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| Country | Australia |
| Type | Mechanics' Institute |
| Established | 1854 |
| Location | 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, Victoria |
| Coordinates | 37°50′59″S 144°59′29″E / 37.84972°S 144.99139°E |
The PMI Victorian History Library Inc. is a special library in Prahran, Australia. It used to be called the Prahran Mechanics' Institute. This library is all about the history of Victoria, a state in Australia. It collects books and information about every town and every part of Victoria's past.
The library is owned by the community and you can borrow books if you are a member. It's one of the oldest 'Mechanics' Institutes' still around in Victoria. These institutes were places where people could learn and share knowledge. Only six of them still work as lending libraries today.
For a long time, it was the only Mechanics' Institute in Victoria that had its own special law to run it. But in 2022, it changed its name to PMI Victorian History Library Inc. and became a registered association. This institute also helped start the Prahran Technical School, which became a very famous art school in Australia.
The library has moved a few times. It was first on Chapel Street from 1854 to 1915. Then it moved to High Street in Prahran from 1915 to 2014. Since 2015, it has been at 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of PMI
The Prahran Mechanics' Institute started in 1854. It was set up on Chapel Street in Prahran. Local people gave money and donations to create it. The idea was to have a place for:
- Lectures and discussions
- A library and reading rooms
- Classes for learning
- A museum
Starting a Famous Art School
In 1908, the Prahran Mechanics' Institute helped create the Prahran Technical School. This school first operated on Chapel Street. Later, in 1915, it moved to the High Street building. The school stayed there until 1971. In 2004, the High Street building was added to the Victorian Heritage Register. This means it's an important building because of its design and history.
Focusing on Victorian History
Since 1981, the PMI library has focused on collecting items about Victorian history. It is the only lending collection of its kind in Australia. This means it's the only place where you can borrow so many books about Victoria's past.
Moving to a New Home
In 2009, the Prahran Mechanics' Institute sold its building on High Street. It was sold to Swinburne University of Technology. The PMI then bought a new building nearby on St Edmonds Road in Prahran. The library moved to this new location in 2015.
The new PMI Victorian History Library officially opened on May 30, 2015. The Mayor of Stonnington, Cr Melina Sehr, and PMI President Cr John Chandler OAM, opened it. Today, a group of seven volunteers runs the PMI.
What You Can Find: The Collections
In the early 1980s, the Prahran Mechanics’ Institute decided to focus its collection. They wanted to have a lending library specifically for the history of Victoria. This collection is unique because it's the only one of its kind that the public can borrow from.
The collection has grown to include items about Australia and other Australian states too. The PMI building also holds special collections from other groups, such as:
- The Mechanics’ Institute of Victoria
- The Cinema and Theatre Historical Society
- The Victorian Railway History Library
The library has over 40,000 books that you can borrow. It also offers a professional information service for its members. This makes it a great place to research the history of Victoria and Australia. The library's collection keeps growing steadily. They buy new items and also receive many donations.
How the Library Helps You: Services
The library has a huge collection of books about Victorian and Australian history. You can borrow these books or use them for reference. Besides books, the library also organizes many activities. These include:
- Events and seminars
- Competitions to encourage the study of history
Following the old tradition of mechanics' institutes, PMI offers educational activities. These include free public lectures and workshops. The library also runs the Prahran Mechanics' Institute Press. This is a non-profit publishing service. It helps authors publish books about different parts of Victorian history.
Connected Groups: Affiliations
The PMI Victorian History Library works with other organizations. These connections help them share knowledge and resources.
- Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria
- Cinema and Theatre Historical Society
