Riot-hit library reopens after community campaign

A library torched in violent riots during the summer has officially re-opened after a huge community effort to rectify the damage.

Spellow Library, in Walton, Liverpool, was forced to close when it was set alight on 3 August amid unrest which swept across the country after the stabbings in Southport.

The city was determined to not let hatred win, with £250,000 raised and books being donated from the Queen and a host of celebrities.

An official ceremony marked the re-opening, including readings from Liverpool poet Levi Tafari while a letter from Queen Camilla was also read aloud.

Members of the local community, schoolchildren, first responders and political leaders were in attendance, while there was also a contribution from children's laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

The letter from the Queen said she expressed her "heartfelt admiration" to the community for the way that residents, businesses, charities and "lovers of books" had pulled together.

She wrote: "In doing so, you have demonstrated to our entire country the power of resilience, solidarity and kindness in the face of adversity.

"You are an inspiration, and I do hope that you are enormously proud of yourselves."

A lantern parade took place on Wednesday night along County Road, where rioters once went on the rampage.

Infinity symbol lights were shone in the sky above the library, with the theme of light used to highlight libraries acting as a place of sanctuary, knowledge and community.

Some 300 adults and schoolchildren took part in the parade, led by fundraiser Alex McCormack who spearheaded the campaign.

Children from Gwladys Street Primary School in Everton and neighbouring Arnot St Mary School were there.

Other facilities across the country also lit in solidarity.

The fundraiser attracted books and donations from TV chef Nigella Lawson, and other celebrities.

Author Marnie Riches posted on X after seeing pictures of the building alight, saying she had sent a parcel of her books to the city using the hashtag Reading Not Rioting.

Inspired by her actions, hundreds of other authors, including Philip Pullman and Val McDermid, followed suit.

Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson, said: "The reopening of Spellow Library Hub marks the start of a new beginning for Walton, which we will be saying more about in the coming weeks and months."

Following the reopening, there will be a weekend of family Christmas events on 12, 13, and 14 December, which the local community are all invited to attend.

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