Some people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by tipping a few pints. The Boston Public Library has something more cerebral in mind. As part of the BPL’s series of author talks, renowned Irish author Colm Tóibín will read Thursday in the Abbey Room at the library in Copley Square. His appearance was arranged in collaboration with the Consulate General of Ireland. “St. Patrick’s Day is a festive celebration of Irish culture, and we are fortunate to have such a talented writer coming to visit the Boston Public Library,’’ Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement. Tóibín, a novelist, short story writer, and playwright, teaches at New York’s Columbia University. He’s expected to read from “Brooklyn,’’ a novel that was turned into an acclaimed film starring Saoirse Ronan, who earned an Oscar nomination for her performance.