Saturday, May 14, marks the opening of the new Ballard Branch of the Seattle Public Library and the adjacent Ballard Neighborhood Service Center.

The new branch–encompassing 15,000 square feet of space–is located at 5614 - 22nd Ave NW–hosts an eventful Opening Day presided over by such luminaries as Mayor Greg Nickels, City Librarian Deborah Jacobs and the Library Book Fairy “Lulu”.

Also taking part in the celebration is Les Femmes d’Enfer, who bill themselves as the “Northwest’s Only All-Gal Cajun Band. Having seen them play, I can attest to the high quality of their lively, engaging performance that can make even the most retiring of wallflowers get up and dance.

Schedule as follows:

12:00 p.m. Dedication Ceremony with City Librarian Deborah L. Jacobs, Mayor Greg Nickels, Library Board Trustee Linda Larson, City Council President Jan Drago, City Councilman David Della, Department of Neighborhoods Director Yvonne Sanchez, representatives from the Friends of The Seattle Public Library and the Citizen Implementation Review Panel, the Library book fairy “Lulu”.

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Les Femmes d’Enfer will perform in the main area of the library.

1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. - Market Street Singers will perform in the library meeting room.

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Artists Andrew Schloss and Dale Stammen will discuss the artwork in the lobby at the neighborhood service center.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - An architectural panel will discuss the building design in the library meeting room.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Author Carl Deuker will read from his new novel for young adults, “Runner,” in the teen area of the library.

3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Ballard High School String Quartet will perform in the main area of the library.

3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Bygdedeal Scandinavian Group will perform in the library meeting room.

4 p.m. - Event ends.

The branch closes at 6 p.m., giving one plenty of time to check out a book or two and head down the street to Mr. Spot’s Chai House for some celebratory refreshment.