The biggest “Booked for the Evening” crowd in its 25-year history loved Thursday’s event.

Tennis star and human rights icon Billie Jean King was honored by the Westport Library. ESPN journalist (and Westport resident) Chris McKendry and Chris Evert shared the stage, for an illuminating and insightful hour of conversation.

The program began with a compelling video by Westporter Doug Tirola. It traced King’s life and legacy, in a way that surprised and delighted even her.

But the Library produced another video too. It did not get as many views as Tirola’s.

It sure deserves too.

In recognition of King’s “Battle of the Sexes” — the 1973 exhibition in which she defeated Bobby Riggs in 3 straight sets — Library digital strategist Ashley Hyde, and her social media cohort Kerri Gawreluk, collaborated on a recreation.

This one was 2024-style. And the setting was not the Houston Astrodome, but the Westport Library.

Kerri — a lifelong Billie Jean fan, feminist and activist — was cast as King. Ashley played Riggs. (Both certainly looked the part.)

On the right: Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, 51 years ago. Left: Bobby and Billie Jean, in 2024.

Game on!

With Kerri taking the concept to its library extreme, the pair engaged in 4 competitions: speed shelving, reserve book rally, reading under pressure, and chess-nis.

Kerri and Ashley took turns shooting, while also acting. (“Thank goodness for tripods,” Ashley says.) Ashley made the final edits.

You can probably guess who won.

But be sure to watch the quick video below for a surprise ending.

It’s a Grand Slam.

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