A new chapter is about to begin at State Library Victoria, with the arrival of the cafe Biblio. Located in the north-west wing of the library, you’re invited to come along for a cup of coffee, a leisurely brunch on the terrace or an aperitivo, giving you more reasons to stay after lingering around the bookshelves. To celebrate its official opening, the first 100 customers from 9am on Saturday, November 14 will receive a free cold brew coffee. Known as The Librarian, this drink is served with orange syrup cold cream foam and orange zest.

Biblio at State Library Victoria
Brought to you by hospitality team, The Big Group, this new cafe fits quite comfortably into the Library’s stunning architecture, with plush banquette seating on the inside, as well as a deck for sun-soaked dining.
On the menu, you’ll find a sausage roll, which takes inspiration from a recipe discovered in one of the oldest cookbooks in the library. Dating back to 1864, this delicious treat has been lifted from the pages of history to the present day.

Another menu highlight is the famous chicken sandwich. Specially reserved for guests at Flemington’s Birdcage during Melbourne Cup Carnival, this tasty sandwich will now have a permanent home at Biblio.
Look forward to breakfast favourites like folded eggs with seasonal asparagus, a housemade carrot cake granola bowl or a sweet French toast brioche with labne, miso caramel and seasonal fruit. Otherwise, swing by for a leisurely lunch, with wagyu and black angus patty cheeseburgers or bites like aleppo spice gaufrettes. For something light and sweet, go for the passionfruit spongecake.

Pair your meal with a coffee from Single O, or unwind with an Aperol Spritz.
“Melbourne has such a strong cafe culture, and we wanted to create something that feels genuinely connected to the city and the people who make it,” said Bruch Keebaugh, Founder and Director of The Big Group. “We want [Biblio] to become part of people’s everyday routines, whether that’s a morning coffee, a working lunch or a place to catch up with friends.”

Key details:
đź•’Weekdays from 8am to 4pm, weekends from 9am to 5pm
📍328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Keep an eye on their website or social media for updates.