The Novel Refuge, a newly established used bookstore in Laurel, is using books as a way to support refugees in the region.

The nonprofit organization’s mission is to support local asylum seekers and refugees by selling books, games, puzzles and other literary-related items, and sending profits to an organization who can assist them.

The bookstore, which opened in October, also aims to promote literacy in the community and keep books in circulation and out of landfills, reducing waste and the environmental impact of those products.

Situated in Cherry Tree Center, the volunteer-run bookstore features a selection of gently used and some new books in a variety of genres including fiction and nonfiction for all ages, as well as an assortment of games and puzzles. Every purchase is used to benefit the International Rescue Committee in Silver Spring, a nonprofit organization that provides support to asylees, refugees, survivors of torture, victims of human trafficking and other immigrants.

Kathy Bittinger was inspired to open the store due to her time tutoring immigrant and refugee children. Seeing the resilience of families who arrived in Howard County with little more than hope for a better life, much like her own ancestors did more than 150 years ago, Bittinger said she wanted to offer support.

Bittinger said the bookstore is a combination of her love of books and supporting refugees.

“I was a volunteer with the International Rescue Committee and their refugee resettlement for a number of years doing various tasks and I decided that there needed to be a better way for me to help in a way that I could raise more funds for them and their cause,” she said. “I’ve been an avid reader and love books, so I decided to marry the two concepts and The Novel Refuge was born.”

Pam Leffler, a volunteer at the bookstore, said she got involved because she was drawn to the organization’s mission.

“I had been looking for a volunteer opportunity and then I found out it was to support refugee resettlement,” she said. “That’s a wonderful cause, so that’s why I got involved.”

The bookstore plans to host events including author readings, book clubs and workshops to foster a love for reading and a sense of community among customers and provide funding for other local refugee resettlement agencies.

Bittinger said she hopes the bookstore will be a refuge for book lovers and refugees alike.

“At a time when life feels rushed and there’s such a pull on families in many different directions, taking the time to share a story can be the perfect way to reset and provide some of that rest we all need,” she said. “We hope that the items we sell bring years of joy to the people who buy them, in addition to the funds raised support our newest neighbors as they begin their lives here.”

The Novel Refuge is in the Cherry Tree Center at 11200 Scaggsville Road, Suite 127, in Laurel. For more information, visit novelrefuge.org.

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