The Melbourne Athenaeum has received a $200,000 grant from Heritage Victoria for urgent conservation, repair and restoration works to the building’s roof and clerestory windows. Planning Minister Richard Wynne recently announced 19 restoration projects, including the Athenaeum, would receive a total of more than $2.3 million funding under the Government’s Living Heritage Program.

Business Manager Sue Westwood spoke about the project in an article in the October 2021 CBD News. Click this link and scroll to page 11.

The final instalment in our library refurbishment is almost complete, with the imminent delivery of new Victorian-made timber tables.

In 2020, the library received a $10,000 State Government grant to replace its old, donated and mismatched tables. The new tables are the finishing touch to a $150,000 upgrade, which included new carpet, new electrical wiring and repainting. New chairs were bought thanks to generous donations from library members.

While book and screen clubs are continuing to meet via Zoom, other members can enjoy the clubs' selected reads by placing reserves.

Some of the October picks for our books clubs include The Dutch house by Anne Patchett (also available as an eBook), Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan, The silent patient by Alex Michaelides and A room made of leaves by Kate Grenville.

The Melbourne Athenaeum Library has been part of Melbourne’s cultural fabric since 1839 and offers a safe, welcoming space in the heart of the city. We offer Victoria’s finest crime fiction and biography collections, as well as the latest in books, magazines, DVDs, eBooks and audio books in a relaxing atmosphere. Members’ benefits include regular music performances, a variety of engaging talks, book and screen clubs and free wifi – for a modest yearly subscription of $99 ($89 concession). To join this wonderful institution, click here.