Keith Richards Honored with First-Ever Connecticut Award and Library Card
Keith Richards received the first-ever Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence during a ceremony at Westport Library on Wednesday. The Rolling Stones guitarist, instantly recognizable in his black beanie and patterned scarf, was honored for his contributions to both music and the local community.
The new award was created to celebrate “Connecticut residents who epitomize the state’s core values of creativity, resourcefulness, passion, dynamism and generosity”, according to officials.
Significant time and resources
Richards, who has called Weston home since 1985, has dedicated significant time and resources to Connecticut organizations writes Hearst Connecticut Media. He actively supports SPHERE, which works with adults with disabilities, and the Prospector Theater, a non-profit movie theater in Ridgefield providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
“His impact here in Connecticut is immeasurable and today we recognize that”, said Bill Harmer, executive director of Westport Library, during the ceremony.
Governor Ned Lamont presented the award, joking that Richards is one of his ‘political advisors’ and that Rolling Stones music forms part of his ‘brain trust’ when confronting issues.
Lost for words
“Thank you very much and thank you Connecticut”, Richards said upon receiving the medal from First Lady Annie Lamont. “You kind of get lost for words with something like this around your neck.”
The guitarist spoke briefly about his life in Connecticut, saying, “I moved out of New York City and into Weston, and ever since that move, I’ve had a great life and the kids grew up great.”
Richards also emphasized the importance of libraries and literature, adding that “it’s very important to keep our books unburnt.”
To conclude the ceremony, Harmer presented Richards with a ‘newly minted Westport Library card’, ensuring the rock legend could check out books whenever he wishes.
