Bookplate cafe is open 7 days a week and Paperplate cafe is open on weekdays.

Bookplate cafe

What better way to start your day than with a delicious coffee, basking in the glow of the Library’s famous Leonard French stained glass windows.

Cafe with people at every table enjoying food and coffee. On the far wall are large, colourful stained glass windows and large chalkboards with the menu. In the middle of the room is a wooden counter with 'BOOKPLATE' on the side

Bookplate makes the perfect spot for catching up with friends and family.  

Indulge in coffee and cake, or take time and enjoy a sumptuous brunch or lunch while taking in some of Canberra's best lake views in Ex Libris on the Library's outdoor terrace.  

Opening hours

  • 8:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday
  • 9:00am to 4:00pm weekends and public holidays 

Bookplate is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Menu

See Bookplate's current menu (PDF, 326KB)

Reservations

Bookings are welcome and encouraged. You can reserve your table online.



Reserve a table

 

Paperplate cafe

Paperplate cafe is located downstairs on Lower Ground 1. It offers light refreshments such as fresh and toasted sandwiches, soup, wraps, salads, assorted baked goods, fruit salad, oats with fresh berries and chia pudding cups, along with hot and cold beverages. 

Enjoy your drink and snack of choice on the go or at one of the tables in the Lower Ground 1 study area, no booking required! 

Cafe counter with a display of cakes, slices and fruit salad as well as a coffee machine, stacks of cups and flowers on the counter

Opening hours

  • 9am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday
  • Closed on weekends and public holidays

Contact Bookplate and Paperplate

02 6262 1531

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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