Libraries to light-up in solidarity to mark re opening of arson-hit Spellow Hub library in Walton

Libraries around the UK will light up to mark the re-opening of Spellow Library in Walton, Liverpool following an arson attack. Credit: Liverpool City Council

Libraries all over the UK will light up in solidarity to mark the re-opening of a community library that was destroyed in an arson attack during riots in the summer.

Spellow Community Hub and Library in Walton will be officially re-opened in special ceremony on Thursday, 12 December but, the night before, libraries will unite in a nationwide symbolic act called 'Share The Light.'

The British Library in London is among more than 135 libraries around the country taking part as well as libraries across the North West of England.

Spellow Library Hub in Walton, Liverpool was set on fire during the riots. Credit: Liverpool Echo

The library was partly destroyed by rioters on Saturday, 3 August, following the murder of schoolgirls Bebe King, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe in Southport.

When firefighters arrived at the site on County Road, the rioters attempted to stop them from getting to the fire to put it out.

The library, which was opened in 2023 to provide support for one of the most deprived communities in the country, suffered severe damage to the ground floor.

The ground floor of the library was severely damaged by rioters. Credit: Liverpool Echo

The arson attack prompted a huge outcry and a nationwide response, with book donations from Her Majesty the Queen and a host of famous authors.

Special recognition was given to Alex McCormick from Netherton who launched a GoFundMe page to repair and restock the library.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, formally thanked Alex McCormick, who raised more than £250K to help repair Spellow Library. Credit: PA

Alex said she had felt angry and upset at the damage and was aiming to raise £500 but to her her amazement the fund reached £250,000.

Queen Camilla donated a box of nearly 70 books including Pride and Prejudice, Swallows and Amazons and War Horse.

The books donated to Spellow Hub Library by Queen Camilla. Credit: Liverpool City Council

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “The torching of Spellow Library and Community Hub affected not just the local community, but also people across the country.

“The #ShareTheLight moment on Wednesday evening is an opportunity to show that hate will never win in our communities.

“Spellow Library and Community Hub’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."

The building is being officially reopened on the morning of Thursday 12 December at a civic event, which will include members of the local community, schoolchildren, first responders and political leaders.

There will also be contributions from poet Levi Tafari and Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

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