Welcome to the PMI Victorian History Library Inc.

The PMI Victorian History Library Inc. is a community owned and run library specialising in the history of Victoria, Australia.

The library collection is the only lending collection of its kind in Australia – with over 30,000 books for loan and over 40,000 items on site, including titles that are unavailable elsewhere. You can find information about all aspects of the history of Victoria including:

  • Company Histories
  • Design & Architecture
  • Family History/Genealogy
  • First Nations Australians
  • Theatre & Cinema
  • Town History
  • Transport
  • Visual & Performing Arts

We also provide a professional information service for our members, access to a number of indexes, directories and online resources, as well as organise and present educational activities and events.

The PMI is also the home of:

Latest News

Celebrating 170 years, noting many a change

On the first of May in the year 1854, we proudly proclaimed our existence during a public gathering. Before the establishment of the town...

Meet Our Newest Board Member Professor Paul Collier

Professor Paul Collier recently joined the PMI Victorian History Library Board, and was appointed as Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit...

Our First Year Livestreaming Events

Here at the PMI Victorian History Library Inc. we have been conducting a little experiment. We want to reach more of our members and the...

Wanting to renew or reserve library items?

Opening Hours

Tues to Fri: 10.00am–4.00pm
Sat to Mon: Closed

Contact Us

Join the Library

You will be supporting a not-for-profit, community organisation and one of the oldest libraries in Victoria.

PMI Newsletter

Our regular newsletter features information about what is happening at the library, upcoming events and articles about Victorian history.

Upcoming Events

Apr
2
Tue
PMI Bookclub
Apr 2 @ 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
PMI Bookclub

📖 PMI’s Monthly Book Club – Led by Friend of the Library, Raymond.

Join a friendly, considerate and open group for a chat about books. We meet on the first Tuesday of every month and choose our next book’s in advance. Keep an eye on your email and the PMI’s social media for details about what we are reading next.

In 2023 we read books like The Women In Black by Madeleine St John, Eucalyptus by Murray Bail and The Time We Have Taken by Steven Carroll. But we are always open to suggestions!

Click here to register: https://www.trybooking.com/CMWBA

Apr
24
Wed
Family History Workshops
Apr 24 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Family History Workshops

👩🏽‍👩🏽‍👦🏽‍👦🏽 Family History Workshops hosted by Wendy Eldridge from our Friends of the Library.

Do you want some guided help with your family history journey? We can help. Join a friendly and supportive environment while making use of the many resources available at the PMI Victorian History Library.

Our workshops will cover:
28 Feb – What you need to know what you Get Started
24 Apr – What Beginners should do
26 Jun – Special Guest
28 Aug – Doing your family history using Ancestry
30 Oct – Understanding Military Records and Resources

Bookings are essential.

Click here to register: https://www.trybooking.com/CMVYL

Chapel Street Walks
Apr 24 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Chapel Street Walks

🏛️ Chapel Street Walks – An Australian Heritage Festival Event

Meet at the PMI Victorian History Library then step into a charming adventure. Discover the tales of yesteryear’s department stores on Chapel Street, Prahran. An all-inclusive experience, perfect for everyone – families, individuals, and even your beloved pets!

The tour will be led by Steve Stefanopoulos OAM, architectural historian, former Mayor of the City of Stonnington and President of the PMI Victorian History Library.

Bookings are essential.

Image: https://stonnington.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/FULL/WPAC/ARCENQ/59432044/22945613,1?FMT=IMG

Click here to register: https://www.trybooking.com/CNMYF

May
1
Wed
Trivia Night: Celebrating 170 years of the PMI Victorian History Library
May 1 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Trivia Night: Celebrating 170 years of the PMI Victorian History Library

📚 Trivia Night: Celebrating 170 years of the PMI Victorian History Library

We’re absolutely thrilled to share the news that our beloved library is turning a remarkable 170 years old this year. And to celebrate we are hosting a trivia night! With questions covering our library history, and elements of Victoria’s history like, nature, sport, social history and more. There will be something for everyone.

We have amazing prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place too. So book your ticket and get your thinking caps on!

We will also be unveiling our exhibition “The PMI Library: Celebrating 170 Years” on the night. Be sure to read all the descriptions to find out some of the whacky and strange stories that make up our history.

Dress: Smart Casual

Click here to register: https://www.trybooking.com/CPCPE 

May
7
Tue
PMI Bookclub
May 7 @ 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
PMI Bookclub

📖 PMI’s Monthly Book Club – Led by Friend of the Library, Raymond.

Join a friendly, considerate and open group for a chat about books. We meet on the first Tuesday of every month and choose our next book’s in advance. Keep an eye on your email and the PMI’s social media for details about what we are reading next.

In 2023 we read books like The Women In Black by Madeleine St John, Eucalyptus by Murray Bail and The Time We Have Taken by Steven Carroll. But we are always open to suggestions!

Click here to register: https://www.trybooking.com/CMWBA

May
8
Wed
Malvern Walks – An Australian Heritage Festival Event
May 8 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Malvern Walks - An Australian Heritage Festival Event

🏛️ Malvern Walks – An Australian Heritage Festival Event

Beginning at the base of the clock tower of the Malvern Town Hall, you will explore the Town Hall, nearby Police Station and former Court House; St George’s Anglican Parish (church, hall and vicarage); Stonnington’s only bluestone house; Waiora house; Malvern Square and sculptures; former Malvern Fire Station; former De La Salle College, Armadale; Malvern Tram Depot; St Joseph’s Catholic Parish (church, presbytery, hall and girls’ & boys’ schools); Tower Building (De La Salle College); former site of Kildara College and Brigidine Convent; Northbrook (house, ballroom and stables); MCG (Malvern Cricket Ground and pavilion); finishing at the former ES&A Bank.

The tour will be led by Steve Stefanopoulos OAM, architectural historian, former Mayor of the City of Stonnington and former President of the PMI Victorian History Library.

Bookings are essential.

Image: Stonnington History Catalogue image MP5018

Click here to register: https://www.trybooking.com/CNMZC

May
21
Tue
A Musical Ouroboros
May 21 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
A Musical Ouroboros

🎶 A Musical Ouroboros – how the Hottest 100 both reflects and encourages the empowerment of Australian youth.

For 30 years, triple j’s Hottest 100 has been Australia’s go-to countdown for the year’s top songs. Beyond mere entertainment, it’s a reflection of youth sentiment. In the past, it echoed Gen X rebellion with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Today, it’s a diverse tapestry showcasing female artists, LGBTQ+ voices, and people of colour, mirroring a generational shift. This countdown isn’t just about music; it’s a space where young Aussies steer the conversation. Their votes drive the event’s success, inadvertently giving them a platform and a voice in shaping cultural dialogue.

Bookings are essential with a gold coin for entry.

Click here to register: https://www.trybooking.com/CNRBK

Jun
4
Tue
PMI Bookclub
Jun 4 @ 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
PMI Bookclub

📖 PMI’s Monthly Book Club – Led by Friend of the Library, Raymond.

Join a friendly, considerate and open group for a chat about books. We meet on the first Tuesday of every month and choose our next book’s in advance. Keep an eye on your email and the PMI’s social media for details about what we are reading next.

In 2023 we read books like The Women In Black by Madeleine St John, Eucalyptus by Murray Bail and The Time We Have Taken by Steven Carroll. But we are always open to suggestions!

Click here to register: https://www.trybooking.com/CMWBA

Recent Additions

Catch up on the latest additions to our collections.

Research Guides

Our staff can help with catalogue search, reference lookups & referrals.

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PMI Blog

Instituting the Past, a blog from the staff and members of the PMI library.