Welcome to the PMI Victorian History Library Inc.

📚 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 

We have partnered with Prahran Place to bring you a Creative Writing Course. This course is a Learn Local course. Learn Local (ACFE) funded places are for those wishing to upskill, try for a new career, return to study or volunteer regardless of prior training or employment status. Contact us to find out if you are eligible.

The nine-week introductory program will cover:

• Inspiration and ideas that compel us to write
• Short stories and their structure, form and function
• Character depth and arc; writing realistic dialogue
• Poetry of place, inner worlds in relation to environment
• Writing prompts for stimulating the imagination and silencing the inner critic.

Click here to register: https://socialplanet.com.au/activity/view?id=21078 

📖 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

🏛️ 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

🎶 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

📖 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

🍊 The Great Orange Peel Panic: and other stories from Melbourne

Did you know around the 1860’s civic reprobates who discarded orange peel in the streets of Melbourne, risked life and limb? Apparently new flagstone paving stones, combined with discarded orange peels, were a serious hazard. Oranges were a popular snack at the time and peel littered the pavements, with women blamed by the newspapers as the ‘chief strewers of peel’.

Join us as Robyn Annear talks about this story and more from her new book Corners of Melbourne. Robyn is an author who…’tackles her sprawling subject matter with her trademark wit and her knack for singling out the perfect historical reference.’ Age

This is a joint event with Family History Connections. Bookings are essential with a gold coin for entry.

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

🕵🏽 Stories from ASIO’s files

Step into the clandestine world of intrigue and mystery! Unveil the enigmatic lives of a doctor, a teacher, a gardener, and an undercover operative, as Patrick, the Assistant State Manager of Victoria at NAA, unravels a riveting tale straight from ASIO’s secretive archives. These seemingly ordinary individuals possessed secrets that caught the eye of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. Who were they, really? What compelled ASIO to track their every move? Join us on a thrilling journey through covert operations and concealed identities.

Image NAA: A432, 1963/2272

Bookings are essential with a gold coin for entry.

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