Welcome

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

We have over 30,000 books for loan and a professional information service for our members. We provide a central resource for research into the history of Victoria.

Joining is easy, affordable and open to all.

The PMI is also the home of special collections of the Mechanics’Institutes of Victoria, the Cinema and Theatre Historical Society and The Victorian Railway History Library

Friends of the PMI Library April booksale

The Friends of the PMI Library will be running their booksale on Saturday 17 April 2021 at PMI from 10.00am to 3.30pm.

An extensive range of pre-loved books covering subjects including Australian and Victorian local history, biographies, military history, cinemas and the movies and theatre, railway and transport history and much more.

The library will also be open during the day as well so come and say hello.

Re-opening of the PMI kitchen

From the week beginning Monday 12 April 2021 the PMI kitchen facilities will be reopened.

There will be a few minor changes given current COVID-19 safe working protocols which include:
- at the start of each days crockery will be placed on the benchtop in the kitchen for your convenience. Please do not take any crockery etc from the cupboards or drawers.
- once you have finished with it please place it in the dishwasher and use the hand sanitiser provided.
- at the end of the day the dishwasher will be run.
- you are most welcome to bring your own cup with you on your visit if you prefer.

Thank you.

Due to Stage 4 restrictions we are currently closed to our members, associated groups and the general community. We are operating a virtual library service. Please contact us at library@pmi.net.au or 0432 012 118 for further details.
Indexes

We hold a variety of indexes ranging from Australia’s Army war dead, to Victorian mining accidents.

These indexes provide primary resources - the footsteps of real people that get lost in the broader narrative of more general histories. This information can be invaluable, for family history researchers in particular.

The indexes can be found on the library computers under indexes.
Electronic Databases
Electronic databases are often overlooked, and the PMI’s collection can provide a myriad of information. They range from directories like the Sands and McDougall’s directories which cover addresses in first Melbourne and then Victoria, to hospital indexes, to registries for example cemetery burial registries from a wide variety of Victorian cemeteries, to gazettes for example the police gazette, which covers all sorts of ways that people came into contact with the law. These are just examples of some of these sorts of resources and they can be invaluable as they can give you firsthand primary information.

Latest News


		
		
				
					
				    			
					        				
							            			
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								Feb 21
							
											    			
					    				
						Re-opening of PMI    			    
						    				
							                        
								Announcement, Media Release, News, PMI Victorian History Library							
												        			 
							            			
								                				
									                                    
										The PMI will re-open on Tuesday 23 February 2021 from 10.00am. Please note that masks are mandatory when indoors at...									                				
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								20            			
								Jan 21
							
											    			
					    				
						Australia Day public holiday    			    
						    				
							                        
								Announcement, News, PMI Victorian History Library, Public Holiday							
												        			 
							            			
								                				
									                                    
										Please note the PMI will be closed on Tuesday 26 January 2021 for the Australia Day public holiday. The book...									                				
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								12            			
								Dec 20
							
											    			
					    				
						Christmas-New Year closure    			    
						    				
							                        
								Announcement, News, PMI Victorian History Library, Public Holiday							
												        			 
							            			
								                				
									                                    
										The PMI will close at 4.00pm on Thursday 17 December 2020 and re-open on Tuesday 12 January 2021 at 10.00am....									                				
									Read More

Welcome

Friends of the PMI Library April booksale

Re-opening of the PMI kitchen

Latest News

17

Re-opening of PMI

20

Australia Day public holiday

12

Christmas-New Year closure

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