The Nottingham Mechanics' Institution was founded in 1837 in Nottingham to improve the knowledge of working men with classes and lectures, the provision of libraries, performances of music, drama and readings, and through social contact with a good cross-section of the better educated members of the community with the aim TO PROMOTE THE BENEFIT OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE CITY OF NOTTINGHAM AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AREAS THEREOF BY THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE PROVISION, IN THE INTERESTS OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND WITH THE OBJECT OF IMPROVING CONDITIONS OF LIFE, OF FACILITIES FOR RECREATION AND OTHER LEISURE-TIME OCCUPATION They are an educational charity still based in the City.