Rip This Joint: Library Rocks Keith Richards’ Connecticut Honor

“Its very important to keep the books unburnt. Watch out for the matches!”

That may not be as memorable a Keith Richards line as “you can’t always get what you want.” Or “I know, it’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but I like it.” Or “let’s spend the night together.”

But it was the takeaway from yesterday’s very cool Westport Library ceremony.

The Rolling Stones co-founder, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member, and 40-year Weston resident received the inaugural Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence — from Governor Ned Lamont, of course — at the jam-packed, and very excited, Library’s Trefz Forum.

Keith Richards, Governor’s Award of Excellence honoree.

Nearly every top official in Connecticut was in the house, along with musicians like Crispin Cioe — the saxophonist who has played with every legend, including the Stones — and Mark Naftalin, Rock Hall of Fame keyboardist with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Both are Westport residents.

But all the others — even the governor — were side attractions. The crowd — most of whom remembered the band from their “Satisfaction” days — was there to see Richards.

He did not play a lick. But in brief remarks, he spoke straight from the heart.

Praise for the Westport Library, the power of books, and 40 happy years in Weston.

Like so many other area residents, he and his wife Patti Hansen left New York City seeking “fresh air” for their daughters.

Weston was “a great place,” he said. “I’m incredibly happy.”

Speaking of libraries in general — and Westport’s in particular — Richards said, “without books and knowing things, you won’t have much in your head.”

Westport Library director Bill Harmer — the first warm-up act — alluded to the unusual setting.

“Where do you think you are — a public library?” he asked, encouraging the crowd to make some noise. They did.

Libraries are places of community and culture, Harmer continued. And Richards epitomizes the very ideals — creativity, intellectual freedom and life-long learning, for example — that libraries honor.

Westport Library director Bill Harmer.

He quoted Richards, who once said, “When you are growing up there are 2 institutional places that affect you most powerfully: the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you. The public library is the great equalizer.”

For 40 years, Harmer said, Richards has used his influences and resources to support community efforts, like SPHERE and Ridgefield’s Prospector Theater. Both support people with disabilities.

The second warm-up act — Governor Lamont — noted Richards’ long impact on Connecticut, including the Stones’ famous unannounced show at Toad’s Place in New Haven. Lamont had just come from the club’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Lamont said he continues to be inspired by the band’s music, whenever he thinks of housing (“Gimme Shelter”), small business development (“Start Me Up”) and dealing with the state legislature (“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”).

Governor Ned Lamont.

Then, without further ado, he presented Richards with the first-ever Governor’s Award of Excellence: a custom-designed medallion, crafted by a state trooper and manufactured by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, plus a ribbon sewn in the state.

The guitarist and the governor.

With the governor’s arm in a sling following an injury on a recent trade mission to India, his wife Ann draped the medal around Richards’ neck.

Congratulations, from First Lady Ann Lamont.

Harmer then added another gift: a specially laminated Westport Library card.

Library director Bill Harmer presents the laminated library card. Governor Lamont looks pleased.

The rock star’s remarks were brief, but heartfelt.

He did not quote any of his lyrics. Nothing about not getting any satisfaction. Wild horses not dragging him away.

And certainly not, “what a drag it is getting old.”

Staples High School graduate and Weston resident Michael Friedman has his own rock history. In his youth he photographed the Stones — and Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and many more — in concert. After discovering the negatives 50 years later, he published them in a book.

An unidentified — but very cool-looking — fashion designer guest.

The official proclamation included the “key to the state” for Richards.

The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and every media outlet in the state was invited to attend …

… while even the state’s top officials wanted selfies with Keith …

… and others took videos during his remarks.

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas.

Dave Briggs (left) shares a laugh with Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.

State Treasurer Erick Russell.

Westport 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

Also at the ceremony: fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer (Paul Butterfield Blues Band) Mark Naftalin, a Westport resident.

Staples High School resource officer Ed Wooldridge provides security.

The crowd lingers, after the ceremony.

And now: the news.

(All photos/Ryan Allen)

BONUS TRACK: Click below, for an excerpt from Keith Richards’ speech.