Berwick Mechanics Institute & Free Library

Welcome

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.

Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.

Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.

Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.

Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.

About

The Berwick Mechanics Institute and Free Library (BMI) has operated continuously in Berwick since 1862. It is one of only six such libraries in Victoria, having been established following the rapid growth of Mechanics Institutes after the discovery of gold in the 1850s. Located in the busy main street, BMI runs a vibrant library service and serves also as a repository of local history. BMI has a stock of over 40,000 books, magazines and cassettes, and loans total approximately 45,000 per year. The building is owned by the City of Casey, which provides an annual grant for the operation of the library. BMI is run entirely by community volunteers.

Our collection

Casey Collection (1983)

The collection is comprised of books, magazines, ephemera, silk paintings by Ellis Rowan, paintings by Maie Casey, and other items from Lord and Lady Casey's home "Edrington" in Berwick. There is also a portrait of Maie Casey by Cecil Beaton, and a portrait of Richard Casey by William Dargie. The books and magazines represent a portion of the Private Library of Lord and Lady Casey.

Type of organisation

library

Opening hours

Mon,Tues,Thurs,Fri 9.30-5.30. Fri 7.00-8.30. Sat. 9.30-12.30.

Entry fee

free

Contact

Website Email

See the Valuations page for information on historical item valuation.

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Our collection

Casey Collection (1983)