Ballarat's main library was built in 1993-4 and holds the collection of the former Ballarat library located in Camp Street and founded in 1887. The Central Highlands Regional Library was formed as a shared services consortium representing 12 councils and shires in the 1950s. The other library collection in Ballarat is the Mechanics Institute and Federation University (Ballarat) library.
The foundation stone was laid on 30th July, 1993 by councillor James W. Coglan, Mayor of the City of Ballaraat along with councillor William M. Flynn and officially opened on the 20th September, 1994 by Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett.
Inside you'll find the Australiana Research Room, with access to centuries of Ballarat newspapers, original documents, maps and manuscripts; historic photos and copies of books with 'lost' information you can't find on the web.