It was an evening fit for a King.
On Thursday, September 12, The Westport Library celebrated the 25th anniversary of its signature fundraising event, BOOKED for the evening, with the legendary tennis star and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King.
In the most successful BOOKED to date, more than 600 Westport Library patrons, donors, readers, writers, tennis fans, and community members packed the Library’s Trefz Forum to celebrate an icon in the fight for equality — and to support the Library’s mission to empower the individual and strengthen the community through dynamic interaction and the lively exchange of ideas.
The money raised during BOOKED for the evening goes to support the vast multitude of free and low-cost events the Library hosts throughout the year.
King was a most apt honoree for the 25th anniversary celebration, a believer in the power of knowledge and community to make a difference in the lives of so many.
After a special video introduction hailing her legendary achievements — featuring video tributes from, among others, John McEnroe, Pam Shriver, James Blake, and Christiane Amanpour — King took to the stage with the moderator for the evening, ESPN tennis host and Westporter Chris McKendry.
They were later joined by 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert, who attended the event to honor King and her remarkable legacy, as well as King’s wife and longtime partner, Ilana Kloss.
“This woman is the eighth wonder of the world, in my eyes,” Evert said of her friend and former on-court rival.
In a wide-ranging conversation, King and McKendry, complemented by Evert and Kloss, discussed the arc of the legend’s unparalleled life and career, from her achievements on the court to her work as an agent for change off it — and of course, her famed Battle of the Sexes victory over Bobby Riggs — mixing poignancy with humor and wit to delight the capacity crowd.
“I think I’m the first sports athlete you’ve ever had here, if you look at 25 years,” King said proudly, while discussing the recent successes of women’s sports leagues and the increased support for women in athletics. “Sports, and particularly women’s sports, maybe not intentionally, but women’s sports are always left out. But tonight, you included us, so I thank you. I don’t think you know what that means to me. … Tonight, for me personally, is a huge moment.”
In presenting the BOOKED for the evening award at the end of the ceremony, Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer summed up the power of King’s message and her achievements by saying, “You show us what’s possible when you stand up, speak out, and strive to make the world a better place.”
Before and after the event, attendees were treated to drinks and appetizers, arriving an hour prior to the start of the program and staying long after King had the last word on the evening, offering her thanks to the Westport community and a salute to the power of libraries.
“I cannot tell you how important libraries are to me, and have been my whole life, and to my family,” King said. “This is such a great community here. Without library books, I never would have had my dreams. So, I want to thank each and every one of you for your sponsorship and your love of learning. This has been the greatest night. I can’t think of a better night of celebration.”
Photos by Pam Einarsen.
