Around the South End, the historic inauguration of the nation’s first African

American to the nation’s highest office — and the 44th president overall — will be hailed in a variety of ways.

The Freeland Library will provide live streaming video from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20. All the day’s activities will be shown on a big screen in the library’s conference room. For details, call 331-7323.

With all the changes going on at Bayview Corner, Goosefoot’s Debbie Torget said there isn’t room for a big crowd.

“We’re sending folks who want to watch to the Freeland Library,” she said.

At South Whidbey High School, an assembly celebrating Martin Luther King Day will be combined with a look at the festivities in Washington, D.C. via satellite in the school’s auditorium.

Individual civics and history teachers at Langley Middle School will watch the event with their students in selected classrooms, followed by a discussion of what they witnessed.

An inaugural ball is planned for Tuesday evening to celebrate the events surrounding Obama’s rise to the most powerful job on the planet.

The event is from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in Freeland Hall. There will be dancing.

“We want folks to come out and celebrate the inauguration of our new president, Barack Obama,” said organizer Shellie Moore. “We’ll have a DJ playing all kinds of great music, something for everyone.”

Fancy dress — “Whidbey style” — is specified and people are encouraged to bring finger food, beer, wine and soft drinks to share.

The event is free, but donations to cover expenses are appreciated.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Moore at 221-8898.