The651.com

Chances are at some point in your school-going life you were shushed at the library, or forced into silence by condescending looks and upraised eyebrows. But when the “Book It: The Party” series kicks off this Thursday at the James J. Hill Reference Library, you’ll finally be able to throw that social convention out the window.

Black Blondie kicks off "Book It: The Party"

The series, which runs four times through the beginning of March, includes music trivia from Books and Bars’ host Jeff Kamin (with prizes for the top three teams), socializing, and live music from a local band – plus if you bring your library card, you score free Summit beer. This Thursday’s music comes courtesy of hip-hop-infused R&B quartet Black Blondie, whose frontwoman Samahra Daly is like Amy Winehouse reincarnated as Joan Jett. Upcoming events include performances by Murzik (February 2), the Chastity Brown Band (February 23), and We Became Actors (March 8).

Best of all, proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library and the James J. Hill Reference Library. Partying at the library for a good cause? Sure beats staying home with your nose buried in a book, we say.

Event details:
7-10 p.m. Thursday, January 26. Trivia at 7:15 p.m., music at 8:15 p.m. $10 members/$15 general. James J. Hill Reference Library, 80 W. 4th St., St. Paul, 651-265-5500, www.thefriends.org