In lieu of a regular ol' weekend overview this week, I'm highlighting two weekend events that benefit good, and bookish, causes. Ready?

Tonight at Howlers is Literazzi, a benefit for the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council. The $5 cover nets you performances by an array of local spoken-word/performace types: Ashly Nagrant, Jenn Dallas, Nikki Allen, Jocelyn Hillen, Michael McGovern, Lance Cheuvront, Patti Emory. Plus there'll be a raffle and a Howlers favorite, live-band punk rock karaoke. It's all hosted by local writer Kristin Ross, whose birthday it is, so give her punches.

Then tomorrow (Saturday) night at Remedy is Bookstock II, the sequel to last September's benefit to raise money and awareness of the Carnegie Libraries' financial crisis. Performers include TypewriterGirls, JonBro, Dean Cercone, and the Fake Sinatras; additionally, there will be art auctions, library trading cards(?!) and some DJ's (Mary Mack, ja(m) (bo)x, and JoeyJ, friends of libraries all). It's a sliding-scale deal, $5-10, no one turned away for lack of funds.

That's TWO chances in one weekend to check out some quality local talent and support readerly causes. And you don't even have to do any reading yourself. What could be better?