The Library is rewriting the rules of the bookstore café

When I received an invitation to NMACC’s new The Library, I wasn’t expecting to encounter a concept I hadn’t seen before. A bookstore-meets-café isn’t a new idea, but the promise of a space built around a shared love of reading and good food was enough to pique my curiosity. 

Stepping into The Library, you might not immediately recognise the bookshop café concept, but the space gradually reveals itself through a series of thoughtful details. Divided into three sections, the café is designed to feel like chapters unfolding through the day. The first section, featuring a circular coffee bar built around a real tree, is designed for slower mornings, with space to linger over coffee and a quick bite. 

Step further in, and you’re led into a much wider seating area, where The Library concept comes into focus. It feels like stepping into a world where books and reading are the only language you need. The bookshelves are a dead giveaway, of course, but it’s the more thoughtful details throughout the café that truly bring the idea of a library café to life. For instance, the sculptural hands holding newspapers—an unexpected detail, and one that begs to be noticed, rather than simply glanced over. 

Then there are the custom open-book motifs carved into the tabletops, like little reminders of the thought that went into creating a space around the love of reading. But my favourite detail is the cross-cultural artworks framing the walls. Think Belle alongside a Mughal prince, or Aladdin paired with an Indian princess. It’s an unexpected little detail, seeing these familiar fairytale characters paired with Indian influences, making the artwork, and the space, feel so much more interesting

The food is another tempting reason to stay. The great thing about the way the menu is designed is that it brings together dishes and flavours from different culinary cultures, without being too particular about when or how you’re supposed to eat them. You could come in for breakfast, order a few small plates for lunch, or just stop by for a pastry and coffee, with plenty to make a meal of. 

Having taken a dinner reservation, my dinner guest and I had a lot to look forward to on the menu. We started off with the avocado baskets, which came with whipped cream cheese and avocado tartare. The crisp base melded with the creamy filling in perfect harmony, while the sambal added just enough heat to keep things interesting. Light yet full of flavour, this was one of my favourite ways to enjoy the freshness of an avocado. Alongside this, the potato churros were another memorable bite. It was a playful take on the familiar, served with parmesan aioli and romesco. 

Among the larger plates, the shoyu and galangal glazed chicken skewers stood out with their sweet, tangy glaze and a burst of flavour in every bite. The pickled cucumbers cut through the richness with an extra hit of acidity, while the tempura pearls added a fun crunch. The layered paneer, served with slow-cooked cashew gravy and herb paratha, was equally satisfying, especially if you’re in the mood for something more comforting.

Now, I’m a staunch believer that no meal is complete without dessert to round things off. And, in my humble opinion, there’s really no such thing as an imperfect dessert. Still, The Library does take the cake (pun intended) with their dessert menu.

We started with the pistachio and raspberry choux, which was a nice combination of flavours. The nuttiness of pistachio worked particularly well against the tartness of raspberry. It is light and fruity, and a great option if you’re feeling stuffed but still want that sweet last bite. But being an avid chocolate lover, the molten chocolate was a clear winner for me. Served with s’mores and ice cream, it’s a more indulgent option, and one I would recommend having with a side of cappuccino.

Between the food and the books, it’s easy to lose track of how long you’ve been sitting in The Library. My dinner companion and I, being avid readers, naturally found ourselves drawn towards the shelves. And if there’s one thing I can never resist, it’s a bookstore with shelves that tower over me.

Whenever I walk into one, I feel a little like Belle from Beauty and the Beast. There’s something about being surrounded by books, knowing there’s always a chance of finding something you weren’t even looking for. My only qualm with several bookstores and bookstore cafés is that their selections can sometimes feel a little too familiar, with the same authors and titles frequenting social media and BookTok. The Library does a fairly good job of moving beyond that. 

What I particularly enjoyed about The Library’s collection was the unexpected mix of titles. You could find books dedicated to fashion, including Chanel: The Makeup Book, The Ultimate Sneaker Book, and volumes on Dior, YSL, and Louis Vuitton, alongside gripping thrillers like How to Kill Your Family and What Happened That Night. Elsewhere, Masters of Indian Painting and Indian Art sit alongside books on celebrated artists and architects such as Michelangelo, Gaudí, BV Doshi, MF Husain, and Raza. There are also some more unexpected finds, from Stan Lee: The Story and Eat NYC to coffee table books exploring different cuisines, destinations, and cultures. You’ll also find books on business, politics, science, and self-development, an assortment of fiction across genres, graphic novels, manga, and a dedicated selection for younger readers.

What makes browsing particularly enjoyable is that the collection doesn’t feel too neatly organised by category. A book on couture might catch your eye before something on politics, and you never quite know what you’ll stumble upon next. Rather than feeling too neatly organised by category, the collection invites you to browse without quite knowing what you might reach for next. 

Another particularly sweet corner belongs to Amar Chitra Katha. For generations of Indian readers, the publishing house’s illustrated retellings of mythology, history, and folklore have been an introduction to stories that are deeply rooted in our culture. Finding its titles here feels like a thoughtful nod to that legacy, and a way of bringing a little nostalgia into a space that welcomes readers across generations.

But The Library makes room for more than reading and dining. There is also a dedicated stage and event space that will host performances and conversations, bringing together readers, artists and creatives to exchange ideas and connect over shared interests. Meanwhile, smaller details, like keeping meals away from the books and the mezzanine quieter for reading, help make the space comfortable for everyone. It’s a thoughtful way of accommodating both those who come to socialise as well as those looking for a little quiet reading. The Library brings these experiences together without making you choose between them, giving you a place to watch the afternoon unfold at its own pace.

I went in curious about the books and ended up spending just as much time taking in the design, discovering the menu, and exploring the collection. I’ll have to return for a longer browse, because there’s no way you can get through 4,500 titles in one visit. Then again, that’s probably the point.

All images: The brand

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