Founded by Angie Jackson and Dewana Montgomery, Lit Java brings Pearland readers together through book clubs and literary events.

When designing the bookstore and coffee shop, Jackson and Montgomery said they always knew they wanted the space to be a community hub.

“Providing a place where people are able to sit down and read a book by themselves, but then have a community of people who've read it with you ... adds another element of making [reading] fun,” Montgomery said.

How it works

Lit Java offers multiple book clubs every week, and hosts 10-12 events per month, such as meet-and-greets and local artist spotlights.

“I think it's our community involvement that's what makes us special and the fact that we are truly about our community,” Jackson said.

The bookstore features silent book clubs where individuals can read uninterrupted for an hour before talking about the book, as well as community book clubs where Lit Java chooses the books, along with more creative gatherings.

The bring-your-own-book, or BYOB, club on Thursdays invites community members to lead their own book club with special activities and topics.

The bookstore has a stage that can be used for open mic nights and local author spotlights. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)
The bookstore has a stage that can be used for open mic nights and local author spotlights. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)

A closer look

At the store, which has the work of local artists hanging on the walls, customers can choose from a variety of genres, including romance, local authors, banned books and children’s books.

During the summer, Lit Java has events for children and offers storytimes every Saturday. This has led kids to make friends in the bookstore, the owners said.

The duo said they feel like they have gotten to know their community, and can now recognize regular customers’ coffee orders and ask about their kids. They said it feels like their extended family.

One customer told Jackson and Montgomery Lit Java was like their “third space”—their house, their work and the bookstore.

“A couple of years ago, people probably weren't reading as much and coming into book stores and wanting physical books,” Montgomery said. “We're seeing more people wanting to join a book club. I know we hear different people say it’s been years since [they’ve] read a book, but now, because of this, [they’re] getting back into reading.”