White Birch Books celebrates 10th anniversary

White Birch Books is gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary, with author visits, book groups, story times and other special events planned.The highlight of the week is the Local Author Anniversary Party, slated for Saturday, April 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. A veritable whos who list of the valleys local authors and publishers will be in attendance, including Brendan Dubois, Ginger Blymyer, Dave Eastman, Nicholas Howe, Peter Pinkham, Marty Basch, Alex Levin, Mike Dickerman, Ann Chase and John Mudge. All will be happy to talk about and sign their books, as well as discuss any upcoming projects. There will be prizes and giveaways, refreshments and a delicious cake courtesy of Lucy Farm. Local radio station WMWV will broadcast live from the party. Other events during the week include a visit from best-selling author Chris Bohjalian on Friday, April 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bohjalian will be at the store to read from and discuss his new book, "The Buffalo Soldier," which just hit the national Booksense Bestseller List and is getting rave reviews. Bohjalian, probably best known for "Midwives," an Oprah Book Club pick, is the author of eight novels and a huge bookstore favorite. During his visit last fall, he wowed his book group audience with an incredible reading of "Trans-Sister Radio" and an open and frank discussion of his career, research and future plans. "Chris just blew us away with his outgoing personality and his ability and desire to answer any and all questions posed," says bookstore owner Donna Urey. "I cant think of a better way to kick off our anniversary celebration than with a visit by this very classy, grade-A author."Changing gears mid-week, White Birch Books hosts a cookie swap on Wednesday, April 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. Cookie connoisseurs are invited to come with two dozen of their favorite cookies - and the recipe to share around and swap with others. White Birch will provide the refreshments, some new cookie recipes and handy carry bags to take the goodies home. The book store will also use the event as an opportunity to announce its summer "One Valley, One Book" program. Thursday night, April 11, from 7 to 9 p.m. is the regular meeting of the Mystery Book Club, an ongoing book group that has been meeting at the bookstore for three years. The group will be discussing "In a Dry Season," by Peter Robinson, featuring Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks. The book group is open to anyone interested, whether they have read the book or not.To cap off the weeklong anniversary, valley storyteller Ed Fayle will be at the store on Saturday, April 13. Storyteller, singer and general all-round raconteur, Ed will entertain young and old alike.