After a devastating riot, Spellow Library reopens, showcasing community resilience and support in Walton, Liverpool
Liverpool: Months after a shocking riot left the community hub in ruins, County Road is buzzing with life again. The Spellow Library is back, thanks to an incredible public fundraising effort.
Summer should be all about fun, but for Southport, it turned tragic when three young girls lost their lives at a dance club. The community was shaken, and the aftermath saw violence erupt in the streets.
County Road, near Goodison Park, became a target for mindless vandalism. It’s a tough area, and the destruction of the Spellow Library hit hard. Just over a year after its renovation, it was set ablaze.
Among those arrested was a 69-year-old man caught at the scene. He got 32 months in prison for his role in the chaos. Others, including two brothers, were also jailed for looting the library.
During a visit to the site, Jonathan Reynolds, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, expressed his sadness over the damage. He emphasized how vital libraries are to communities, especially for those from working-class backgrounds.
Reynolds was joined by local leaders, all committed to reopening the library. Meanwhile, a local resident, Alex McCormick, started a GoFundMe page to help raise funds. What began as a small goal turned into a massive success, raising over £250,000.
Queen Camilla even got involved, donating books to the library and expressing her desire to visit in 2025. As Christmas approached, the community came together to celebrate the library’s reopening with a lantern parade.
People of all ages joined in, showing their defiance against the violence that had struck their community. The message was clear: together, they are stronger. Frank Cottrell-Boyce, a local poet, reflected on the resilience of Walton, saying it’s not who they are.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, who has deep roots in the area, echoed this sentiment. He described the library’s revival as a “phoenix from the flames,” highlighting the power of community and unity in overcoming adversity.
