By Luis Montes
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

The Bookish Pelican Bookstore and Coffee House, located at Grand Avenue and Hwy. 146 in Bacliff, offers students a place to gather and study for upcoming finals.

Left: The Bookish Pelican Coffee House.
photo by Angela Stone


Owner, Silvia Novo Pena, is a retired college professor. She has opened her doors to UH-Clear Lake students and student organizations who would like to hold weekly study groups, meetings or fund-raisers, free of charge.

The Bookish Pelican opened Sept. 15, but has been in the planning stages for more than six years. There are two Internet-ready computers, a copy machine and more than 40,000 books.

Various categories of interest include history, sociology, philosophy, science, general fiction, mystery, romance and action adventure. Students can buy new or old books, order books at discounted prices or read the books at the bookstore when they visit.

"I love old and used books from all over the world," Pena said. "I wanted to open a business that was cozy, where people could read or just meet and talk."

Right: The Bookish Pelican Bookstore.
photo by Angela Stone


Prior to retiring, Pena, a native of Cuba, taught Spanish for more than 30 years at various Texas universities.

"I've taught at the college level all of my life," Pena said. "I like college students and I miss working with young people. I want students to feel welcome when they come here, I want them to come by and hang out, study, play chess or read the books that are here."

For those who get thirsty or hungry while visiting the Bookish Pelican, there are smoothies, cappuccinos, coffee, soda, tea and an array of homemade sandwiches, soups, salads, breads and desserts offered at affordable prices.

For more information, call (281) 339-3050 or visit www.bookishpelican.net.

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