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Where the Next Chapter Begins
Our Mission
The Novel Refuge, Inc. is a 501(c)3 public charity. We are a 100% volunteer-run used bookstore. Our mission is to support local refugees and asylum-seekers by selling books, games, puzzles, and other literary-related items. Through our bookstore, we promote literacy in our community and keep books in circulation and out of landfills, thus reducing waste and the environmental impact of these products.
Our Team
Board of Directors
President
Peggy Moore, PhD
Moore Executive Coaching & Consulting
As a child, I remember so fondly my mom helping me to find books, as many as we could carry, at the library, and how I played 'librarian' when she took me to the high school library where she worked. My parents were born into impoverished families - my mom's family immigrated from Wales and England to work in the Pennsylvania coal mines, and generations of my dad's ancestors worked the waters around Virginia's Tangier and Smith Islands. My mom knew the power of education and got her college degree at 45 years old, ensuring that I had a role model and opportunities that she didn't. I love that The Novel Refuge helps to give refugee and immigrant families the hope and means for a better life by putting new stories in the hands of book lovers. I'm incredibly honored to serve on this board and grateful to be building something so meaningful and impactful with such amazing people.
My favorite author: Maya Angelou
Treasurer
Xuying Chang
Adams Funds
At the age of 23, I traveled to the United States to pursue post-graduate studies. I quickly encountered many of the challenges and hurdles that other immigrants experience when arriving in an unfamiliar land. When I met my husband, my connection to this experience deepened. He and his family were refugees from Vietnam who arrived in the aftermath of the Vietnam War in the 1970s. They found invaluable support from compassionate strangers upon their arrival in the United States. The mission of The Novel Refuge, dedicated to aiding refugees and immigrants, resonates profoundly with me and holds a special place in my heart.
My favorite book: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
Secretary
Shannon Perich
The Smithsonian Institution
As a curator at the National Museum of American History, my specialty is the history of photography but I love words, too. I am inspired by the mission of The Novel Refuge - to make life better for those who are resettling and making new lives in the United States. Serving on the board and helping launch TNR is a privilege, and I am pleased to support those who help make life better for others.
Although historical fiction is my favorite genre, my most recent favorite books are Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeymen and Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourne.
Mara Esser
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
In my career, I blend skills in interior design, business, networking, and philanthropy. In joining the board for The Novel Refuge, my passions converge: my love for reading, yen for travel, and dedication to humanitarian causes. I am grateful to be a part of TNR and to support the journey of refugees, helping them write new chapters filled with optimism, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Everyone deserves the chance to find hope in the pages of their own story.
My all-time favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Steve Shuman
Kona-Ice
I have spent most of my life running bookstores in Washington, DC. The merging of my love for books and my desire to help the local community makes my work with The Novel Refuge so impactful. My wife and I have had numerous opportunities to help local immigrant families just getting settled into new apartments and single parents trying to make ends meet. I have seen all the needs local families have, from basic furniture like beds, sofas, and tables, as well as necessities like plates, silverware, diapers, and toys. This opportunity to help launch The Novel Refuge will provide another avenue through which I can help new community members.
My favorite book: Walking With the Wind by John Lewis
Founder
Executive Director
Kathy Bittinger
For as long as I can remember, I have loved two things: reading and learning about the world. Growing up, I was fascinated by where my ancestors came from, what brought them to the U.S., the cultural traditions they maintained, and the lands they left behind. As an educator, I tried to honor the unique experiences of my students and sought ways to help them embrace their heritage. When my own children left for college, I began tutoring refugee and immigrant children and helping with local resettlement needs. From seeing the resilience of families who arrive with little more than hope for a better life, much like my ancestors did over 150 years earlier, the idea for The Novel Refuge was born. I am grateful to be able to look back and honored to be able to pay forward in this way.
My favorite author: Khaled Hosseini
Our Cause
News
June 20, 2024
Founder and Executive Director Kathy Bittinger Receives the Humanitarian Award from the International Rescue Committee
SILVER SPRING, MD - The Novel Refuge, Inc. is very excited to announce that our Founder and Executive Director, Kathy Bittinger, has received the 2024 Humanitarian Award at the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) Beacons of Hope Gala for her volunteer work. We would like to congratulate her and the other award recipients. Kathy has contributed to IRC in a range of capacities including apartment resettlement, food and clothing delivery, family mentoring, and academic tutoring.
The IRC's Silver Spring and Baltimore locations serve thousands of refugees escaping war, violence, and persecution annually. Through their programs, they provide for the basic needs of new arrivals, in addition to helping them find employment, overcome trauma, learn English, and use their individual skills and talents to make our communities better.
The mission of The Novel Refuge is to provide financial support to refugee resettlement agencies, such as the IRC, so they can continue to do their meaningful work every day. We are honored to partner with the IRC in their efforts. We hope to build on this relationship and make a wider impact to the refugee community as we grow as an organization.
The Novel Refuge Online shop
is open
Book Bundles: We have bundles of 3 books in your favorite genre available to be shipped anywhere in the U.S. for $30. Books are guaranteed to be in good to new condition.
We also receive a portion of your purchase price if you buy an audiobook at
TNR Brand T-shirts: We have sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL for Unisex and XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL for Women's Fit available to be shipped anywhere in the U.S. for $25.
Support Us
Help us achieve our goal of opening a used bookstore to support services for local refugees and asylum-seekers. Donations directly support our cause.
The Novel Refuge is a 501(c)3 public charity and your financial contribution is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Thank you for your generosity!
For monetary donations,
click on the Zeffy logo:
You may also copy/paste the secure link into your web browser:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/f3088b2c-82ba-480b-829e-1488b84f6ec4
For book donations:
We are not collecting books as we prepare to move into a retail space.
Contact Us
Email: NovelRefuge@gmail.com
FOLLOW US:
Facebook: THE NOVEL REFUGE
LinkedIn: THE NOVEL REFUGE
Instagram: THE_NOVELREFUGE
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Church of the Resurrection for allowing us to use their space for our January Pop-Up Book Sale.
Thank you to Sandy Spring Friends School for use of their library for our April “Food Trucks & Trivia Night.”
Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers:
Aidan Bittinger-Esser
Allison Dixon
Beth Shuman
Jennifer Margiotta
Justis Dixon
Kevin Esser
Kevin Nguyen
Maeve Perich
Michelle Yates
Quinn Bittinger-Esser
Sage Bittinger-Esser
Scott Perich
Vinnie Perrone
Yvan Defez
And to all those who donated books and funds to help make our bookstore successful!
The Novel Refuge is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN 93-3130768.