£100k Raised After Spellow Lane Library Hub Torched in Liverpool Riot
More than £100,000 has flooded in to save Liverpool’s Spellow Lane Library Hub after it was gutted in violent weekend unrest. The library, a vital community centre and food bank, was severely damaged by fire during clashes on County Road, Walton.
Chaos on the Streets: 300 Clash, Firefighters Attacked
Merseyside Police revealed around 300 people were involved in the chaos. Rioters set fire to parts of the library and other community facilities. Fire crews faced violent resistance, with attackers throwing missiles and smashing a fire engine window to block access.
TV presenter Carol Vorderman slammed the violence, calling it an “utter disgrace” and condemning attacks on emergency workers.
Community Rallies: £100k+ Floods GoFundMe Appeal
Spellow Lane serves one of the UK’s most deprived communities and opened just last year. Council leader Liam Robinson called the damage “heartbreaking” for local residents and staff who made it a crucial hub.
Organiser Alex McCormick set up a GoFundMe aiming for £500 — but thanks to overwhelming support, it has now smashed £100,000. McCormick said the damage “breaks my heart,” especially for children missing out on summer reading and safe spaces.
Donors Speak Out: “We Won’t Let Books Burn”
- One donor wrote, “We didn’t let Nazis burn books in the ’40s and we won’t now.”
- Another added, “Every book lover in the world is rooting for you, Spellow Lane. May a beautiful garden of discovery grow from these ashes.”
McCormick thanked the community, hoping the support “brings light to a very dark week” and restores faith in the good in people.
Riot Origins and Ongoing Investigations
The violence erupted after far-right groups targeted nearby Southport, following the tragic stabbing deaths of three girls. Police have made arrests, including two brothers connected to the incidents.
Meanwhile, urgent assessments are underway to relocate services and rebuild the burned library space.
