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Where the Next Chapter Begins

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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 the local refugee and immigrant population 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

Help us achieve our goal of opening a used bookstore to support local refugee ​and immigrant resettlement services. 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!

Contact Us

Email: NovelRefuge@gmail.com

FOLLOW US on Facebook: THE NOVEL REFUGE

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

Justis Dixon

Jennifer Margiotta

Kevin Esser

Kevin Nguyen

Michelle Yates

Quinn Bittinger-Esser

Scott Perich

Vinnie Perrone

Yvan Defez

And to all those who donated books and funds to help make our event successful!

The Novel Refuge is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN number 93-3130768.