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

Click and collect update

Due to the ongoing protests in the inner city areas of Melbourne and the damage in Chapel Street caused by Wednesday's earthquake we have suspended our 'click and collect' service until Monday 27 September 2021.

2020 Annual Report now available

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

2020 AGM annual report

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


		
		
				
					
				    			
					        				
							            			
								20            			
								Sep 21
							
											    			
					    				
						‘Click and collect’ expanded    			    
						    				
							                        
								Announcement, News, PMI Victorian History Library							
												        			 
							            			
								                				
									                                    
										From Monday 20 September 2021 our 'click and collect' service will operate Mondays to Fridays between 11.00am and 4.00pm. Please...									                				
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								5            			
								Aug 21
							
											    			
					    				
						Issue with PMI telephone landline    			    
						    				
							                        
								Announcement, News, PMI Victorian History Library							
												        			 
							            			
								                				
									                                    
										Due to NBN technical issues our landline (9510 3393) is not working at present. In the meantime you can contact...									                				
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								15            			
								Jul 21
							
											    			
					    				
						COVID-19 update    			    
						    				
							                        
								Announcement, News, PMI Victorian History Library							
												        			 
							            			
								                				
									                                    
										Due to State Government restrictions announced Thursday 15 July 2021 the PMI will be closed from 4.30pm until restrictions are...									                				
									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

Due to the current COVID restrictions the PMI is closed however we are offering a ‘click and collect’ service Mondays to Fridays between 11.00am and 4.00pm.

Please contact us on 9510 3393 during business hours and on 0432 012 118 at all other times for further details or email library@pmi.net.au.

Contact Us

Telephone (03) 9510 3393 or 0432 012 118

Email: email us here

Social Media

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