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Bookplate cafe

The front glass doors of a cafe. There are stained glass windows on the back wall of the cafe.
The front glass doors of a cafe. There are stained glass windows on the back wall of the cafe.

Overview

Bookplate cafe is temporarily closed in order for the Library to make necessary improvements to their much-loved heritage listed building. While Bookplate cafe is closed, coffee and light refreshments will be available at Paperplate cafe on Lower Ground 1 (LG1) at the National Library.

Paperplate cafe offers fresh and toasted sandwiches, 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!

Bookplate, while undergoing renovations, is an iconic Canberra cafe located within the National Library of Australia. Semi-surrounded by pairs of floor-to-ceiling Leonard French stained glass windows, it’s a relaxing and beautiful space to enjoy coffee, brunch or lunch with friends and family.

The expansive, sun-drenched outdoor Terrace, Ex Libris, overlooks Lake Burley Griffin and Patrick White Lawns. Making it a wonderful space for a morning coffee or a glass of bubbles in the sun.

Continue following the website for updates on Bookplate's reopening date.

Map of the venue locationMap of the venue location
Parkes Place West, Parkes, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaGet Directions

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor ratingBased on 375 reviews

“Disappointing”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 2w ago by Fran L

Bookplate has been a long-time fav of ours for lunch but we are wondering whether the refurbishment has also included a change of chefs in the kitchen. Always loved the fishcakes but today we were...

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“Good place for a meal near the lake”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 4mos ago by Wingecarribee

Nice setting in the National Library near Lake Burley Griffin. Eat indoors or outside on the terrace with a view. Breakfast menu available at lunchtime. We all enjoyed the scrambled eggs on sour...

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“Average”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 6mos ago by Everly G

This cafe has a lovely view of the lake and of greenery, and very friendly and lovely staff. However, the drinks are not great- overpriced and really really average.

Read the full review on TripAdvisor
  • Australian
  • Modern Australian
  • Bakery/Patisserie
  • Bar
  • Carpark
  • Family Friendly
  • Suitable for Functions
  • Outdoor Dining Area
  • Waterside Dining
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Between $20 and $30
  • Fully licensed