Arnhems Boeken Café (ABC) Libertas

In the picturesque city of Arnhem, there is a unique space that will appeal to both literature lovers and connoisseurs of good drinks. Arnhem Book Café Libertas (Arnhems Boeken Café Libertas) is the city's first "bookbar," successfully combining the functions of a cozy cafe, a bar, and a community library.

Arnhems Book Café Libertas. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Located in the Netherlands at Klarendalseweg 477-1, the cafe offers its guests thousands of second-hand books to read in peace. A special feature of the place is its interior: high wooden shelves and a modern bar counter made of recycled plastic create an atmosphere of conscious consumption and comfort.

This place is significant not only for its literary collection but also for its approach to design and sustainability. Here, you can find both rare editions and popular books while enjoying quality coffee or a glass of craft beer. ABC Libertas quickly became an important focal point for creative youth and tourists looking for authentic corners of the city.

To inquire about details or book a table, you can contact the staff directly. Below are the primary contact details for Book Café Libertas.

The main reason to visit ABC Libertas is the opportunity to slow down. You can choose any book from the vast collection of second-hand literature and settle into one of the cozy reading nooks. It provides the perfect setting to fully immerse yourself in a story without being distracted by city noise.

Fans of gastronomic pleasures should pay attention to the menu. Visitors often praise the local coffee and the wide selection of specialty beers. The cafe is ideal for both solitary relaxation with a book and quiet conversation with friends surrounded by bookshelves, which are works of art in themselves.

In addition to reading and tasting drinks, be sure to notice the interior details. Looking at the eco-friendly bar counter and massive shelving units, you will feel the attention to detail for which this place is valued throughout the province of Gelderland. The simplicity and sincerity of the atmosphere make a visit here truly memorable.

Finding Arnhem Book Café Libertas is easy, as it is located in the colorful Klarendal district, which is within walking distance of the city center. If you prefer walking, the route from the main shopping streets takes very little time and allows you to admire the local architecture along the way.

For those choosing public transport, taking a bus is the most convenient option. Regular routes run from Arnhem Central Station, stopping near Klarendalseweg. You can also use a taxi—the ride from the center will take no more than 5-10 minutes.

If you are traveling by car, use the coordinates 51.9875063, 5.9192282. There are parking options in the vicinity of the cafe, though it is worth remembering that free spots may be limited during peak hours.

While Arnhem Book Café Libertas does not have centuries of history, it has already become an important part of the city's culture. The establishment opened its doors in January 2020, becoming the first space in Arnhem to officially combine the format of a classic bar and a library.

The interior concept, created by Collectief Soepel studio, deserves special attention. The designers aimed to create a space that looked both modern and cozy. The high bookshelves lining the cafe walls were designed specifically for this project to accommodate thousands of volumes of literature.

Another noteworthy fact concerns the establishment's eco-friendliness. The bar counter surface is made of 100% recycled plastic by the company GoGo Plastics. These unique panels are handcrafted from plastic waste, emphasizing the cafe creators' commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

Since its opening, ABC Libertas has established itself as one of the best cafes in the province of Gelderland, receiving high marks for its attention to detail and the perfect execution of its original idea—to create a "free" (from the Latin Libertas) place for intellectual relaxation.

To simply stop by, have a cup of aromatic coffee, and appreciate the cafe's unique interior, one hour will be quite enough. This place is great for a short break during a walk around the city.

However, if you are a true bibliophile planning to dive into one of the thousands of books presented here, or if you want to leisurely sample the local craft beer with friends, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. The atmosphere of the establishment encourages you to forget about time and enjoy the tranquility.

The establishment is open to visitors daily except for Mondays. On weekdays and Sundays, the cafe is open until 22:00, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the doors are open until midnight, making it a great spot for evening relaxation.

Monday: Closed; Tuesday — Thursday: 10:00–22:00; Friday — Saturday: 10:00–00:00; Sunday: 10:00–22:00. Nevertheless, we recommend checking the official website before your visit to ensure there are no changes to the schedule.

A visit to the book cafe can be perfectly combined with exploring other city sights. The district where the establishment is located is close to several iconic places that will help you get to know Arnhem better.

Exploring the surroundings will enrich your experience: you can stroll through picturesque parks, see the city's historical gates, or visit modern entertainment centers for the whole family. Below is a list of interesting sites located nearby.