Xin Jin Shan Chinese Library Inc.

Xin Jin Shan Chinese Library Inc. is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious charitable organisation located in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. Housed in a heritage building dating from the gold rush era, the library operates as a cultural and educational hub dedicated to preserving and promoting Chinese heritage. The organisation is staffed entirely by volunteers who provide their services without compensation. The library’s name, meaning “New Gold Mountain,” reflects the historical significance of Ballarat during the 19th-century gold rush, when Chinese migrants gave the region this name in correspondence to San Francisco.

Largest Chinese Book Collection in the Southern Hemisphere

Xin Jin Shan Chinese Library houses over 200,000 Chinese books, making it the largest collection of Chinese-language materials in the Southern Hemisphere. This extensive collection serves researchers, academics, and readers seeking access to comprehensive Chinese cultural and historical resources, establishing the library as a significant history research centre for both Ballarat and Australia.

Mission and Vision

The organisation is committed to promoting overseas cultural education, enriching Chinese community life, disseminating Chinese civilisation, and fostering multicultural development in Australia. The library aspires to become a significant Chinese education, art, and culture hub whilst contributing to Australia’s cultural diversity.

Main Objectives

• Advance Chinese heritage preservation and education
• Support academic research and cultural studies
• Strengthen Chinese community engagement
• Promote multicultural understanding in Australia

Benefiting Groups

• Chinese readers and researchers
• Students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions
• Academic groups and cultural organisations
• Broader Australian community members

Types of Services and Activities

• Provision of Chinese language books and materials
• Support for academic activities and research projects
• Cultural and educational programmes
• Volunteer opportunities for community members