Library destroyed by riots reopens after community response

A Liverpool library and community hub forced to close after being vandalised during the summer has reopened following an outpouring of local and national support.

Spellow Library, in Walton, Liverpool, was set alight on 3 August amid unrest which followed several days of violent disorder in towns and cities across the UK.

The building had only reopened the year before following a community-led makeover to improve accessibility and services, funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

A fundraiser to help renovate the library after it was attacked topped more than £250,000, receiving the support of the Queen, Nigella Lawson and Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

The reopening last week featured a lantern parade led by fundraiser Alex McCormack. Over 300 adults and schoolchildren participated, and more than 135 libraries, including the British Library in London, lit up to show support.

Spellow Hub Library was targeted by a crowd of some 300 people “intent on committing serious violence and disorder,” according to Merseyside police. The rioters caused damage, started fires and impeded firefighters trying to tackle the blaze.

Rioters, who the Prime Minister described as “far-right thugs”, claimed their actions were protests following the murder of three girls at a dance event in Southport.

Speaking to the BBC, Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said the reopening was “an opportunity to show that hate will never win in our communities”.

He added: “Spellow Library’s rebirth is testament to the spirit not only of this city, but to the people across the country and beyond who reached out in support.

“I know that the library staff can’t wait to welcome back the local community and show them the work that has been done to restore this valuable resource.”