The Melbourne Athenaeum Library is currently experiencing technical difficulties with our online catalogue and access has been temporarily interrupted. We thank our members for their patience as we work to resolve the issue.
Our Ebook collection can still be accessed at https://melbourneathenaeum.overdrive.com/
Much of our city’s standing as Australia’s cultural capital can be traced back to the Melbourne Athenaeum and the role it played in the early promotion and development of music, visual arts, literature and theatre.
Events Program
The Melbourne Athenaeum Library provides a remarkable ambience for intimate live music performances, author talks and book launches.
Some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed classical, jazz and contemporary artists have enjoyed performing amongst the bookshelves, with Inventi Ensemble artistic director Ben Opie saying that the musicians also enjoy the chance to chat with the audience after a performance.
Emerging and established writers also love the historic setting for reading and discussing their work.
Event performances are included in a Melbourne Athenaeum membership and members’ guests can attend for a nominal fee.
Late Melbourne Athenaeum Inc. President Don Smith was passionate about music and instrumental in attracting a wide array of contemporary musicians to perform at the Library. Don took great delight in making contact with musicians from around Australia and overseas and inviting them to play, and he would emcee the events with such enthusiasm that attendees couldn't help but be brought along for the ride. The musicians loved his passionate support and were always keen to return. Don is pictured with Jamaican ska singer Stranger Cole, who performed at the Library in 2022.
