Over £90,000 raised for Liverpool library torched in violent unrest
Community rallies to support damaged library after weekend chaos
Over £90,000 has been raised to support a Liverpool library torched during violent unrest over the weekend. Merseyside Police reported that around 300 individuals were involved in the chaos on County Road, Walton, which included setting community facilities ablaze. The Spellow Lane Library Hub’s ground floor sustained significant fire damage during the Saturday rampage.
#Video: Council Leader @liamrobinson24 has been back out to Spellow Library on County Road, Walton to reassure residents that a plan is being put in place to ensure summer holiday activities planned at the fire-damaged venue will not be lost.@Liverpoollib pic.twitter.com/l13KJqPZ00
— Liverpool City Council (@lpoolcouncil) August 6, 2024
Rioters attempted to block firefighters from accessing the blaze and even hurled a missile at the fire engine, shattering its rear window. TV presenter Carol Vorderman condemned the riots on social media, labelling the attacks on police and firefighters as disgraceful.
This hub, also functioning as a food bank, was established last year to aid one of the country’s most deprived communities. Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson expressed heartbreak over the incident, highlighting the hard work of staff and residents in making the hub a community asset. He assured that urgent assessments of the building are underway, and services will be temporarily relocated to nearby areas. Robinson thanked residents for their supportive messages and offers to help.
Setting the library on fire firm of fucking rats pic.twitter.com/1CfTkD8lDM
— 🌚 (@PotnoodIefringe) August 3, 2024
A GoFundMe page, set up to aid the library, has already raised over £90,000, far surpassing the initial £500 target. Organiser Alex McCormick expressed sorrow over the incident, emphasising the loss for children who will miss out on reading opportunities in a safe community space. She noted the funds will help replace lost books and repair the facility.
Donations poured in with messages of support. One donor remarked, “We didn’t let Nazis get away with burning books in the ’40s and we won’t now.” Another donor hoped a “beautiful garden of discovery and knowledge” would emerge from the ashes.
In an update, McCormick described the overwhelming response as “incredible” and “insane”. She hoped this generosity would bring light to a dark week and restore faith in the presence of good people.
Violence erupted in several cities over the weekend, following far-right protests in Southport in reaction to three girls being killed in a knife attack in Merseyside. Several individuals have since appeared in court in connection with the riots.
Two brothers, Adam and Ellis Wharton, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Adam, 28, admitted to burglary with intent to steal, while Ellis, 22, admitted attempting to steal a computer screen but denied assaulting a police officer. District Judge Timothy Boswell remanded both in custody, with their next appearance set for 29 August at Liverpool Crown Court.
