Conceptualised by the Himachal Pradesh prison department, Book Café is an enterprise for the reformation of prisoners. This cafe in Shimla is run by prisoners serving life sentences. Stocked with books of all genres, the place serves cookies, beverages and a wide variety of snacks prepared by the prisoners. It has now become a major tourist hub.

It provides excellent opportunity to inmates to reintegrate with society. Visitors have accepted life convicts.

The Book Cafe is located at Taka Beach. The Book Cafe received a lot of publicity even before it was opened. The state tourism department and the municipal corporation is also providing logistical aid to the Book cafe.  The Book Cafe is situated on the way to the popular Jakhu Temple and right above the Ridge. The idea to positively engage the prisoners was proposed by Himachal Pradesh Director General of Prisons, Somesh Goyal.

It has bakery products, books and also woollen shawls. Himachal Pradesh is famous for woollen shawls and the prisoners have been making woollen shawls which are at the Book Cafe. By doing this the prisoners will be able to supplement their income and will get some recognition. The initiative has proven to be a life-changing experience for prisoners.