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

2020 Annual Report now available

The 2020 Annual Report is now available at the following link.

2020 AGM annual report

2020 AGM rescheduled

Our 2020 AGM has been rescheduled to Wednesday 16 June at 6.00pm and will be run as a Zoom meeting. The link is here https://zoom.us/j/94304689071

Following the AGM we will be running our Zoom trivia evening from 7.30pm using the same link for the AGM so there is no need for you to open another session. Further details will be provided soon.

Please RSVP to the AGM by calling 0432 012 118 or email library@pmi.net.au.

Updated papers are available from the links below

AGM notice of meeting

2019 AGM Minutes

AGM Committee nomination form

Thank you.

Opening hours, COVID safe

We are open Tuesdays to Thursdays 9.30am to 4.30pm and Mondays for 'click and collect'. When you arrive at PMI please register at the front desk using Service Victoria's QR code app or we can register you. Hand sanitiser and wipes are placed on tables around the library for your use.
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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								Jun 21
							
											    			
					    				
						COVID update – Friday 11 June 2021    			    
						    				
							                        
								News, PMI Victorian History Library							
												        			 
							            			
								                				
									                                    
										COVID update The PMI will be reopening at 9.30am on Tuesday 15 June 2021. Please note that masks must be...									                				
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								4            			
								Jun 21
							
											    			
					    				
						COVID update    			    
						    				
							                        
								Announcement, News, PMI Victorian History Library							
												        			 
							            			
								                				
									                                    
										In line with updated greater metropolitan Melbourne restrictions the PMI will be closed until the updated restrictions are lifted. During...									                				
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								27            			
								May 21
							
											    			
					    				
						COVID update    			    
						    				
							                        
								Announcement, News, PMI Victorian History Library							
												        			 
							            			
								                				
									                                    
										Following the announcement of the seven day circuit breaker lockdown by the State Government today the PMI will close at...									                				
									Read More

Wanting to renew your items?

Click on the Catalogue tab, to access the member login area. Enter your email address and password then select from the pull down menu ‘Loans and Reservations’.

Opening hours

Monday: Closed but available for ‘click and collect’. Please contact us for further details.

Tuesday: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Wednesday: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Thursday: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Friday: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Contact Us

Telephone: (03) 9510 3393 during BH

Mobile: 0432 012 118 AH

Email: email us here

Social Media

Facebook • Twitter • PMI Library Blog