Liverpool Library raises repair funds following far-right violence

Over £200,000 has been raised in a campaign for Spellow Hub community Library in Liverpool after the building was targeted by far-right violence on Saturday 3rd August. The library, which not only holds books but also acts as a community hub for local residents, suffered severe fire damage during violent disorder involving around 300 people, according to Merseyside Police.

A fundraising appeal started by Alex McCormick, a 27-year-old manicurist, has since raised over £200,000 to replace the books lost in the fire, with donations from local community members, national generosity and even celebrities including: author Matt Haig; chef Nigella Lawson; children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce; and video game writer, journalist and daughter of Terry Pratchett, Rhianna Pratchett.

“I always loved to read as a child and seeing a library and community space destroyed broke my heart,” McCormick told the Guardian.

“I felt helpless and wanted to do something to help and thought fundraising would be a nice way to replace some of the books lost in the fire”.

“I never imagined that the fundraiser would spread and far and wide as it has. I’m so overwhelmed with the response and the sense of community”.

In the GoFundMe’s description, Alex also added: “Our city is a sad place at the minute, much like the rest of the country. But it makes me heartbroken to think that children will miss out on an opportunity to read and explore new books and stories in a community space which is meant to be safe for them and their families, especially over the summer holidays.

“I’d like to fundraise for the Spellow Library, to hopefully replenish some of the books which were damaged in last night’s mindless riots, and repair the space for those who need and use it the most. Our children should be able to find solace and joy in books and reading, and have a nice place to do it. Let’s try and make that happen again and show the world what community in Liverpool really means.”

Formerly known as Spellow Library, Spellow Hub had only re-opened last year following a community-led make-over which intended to support one of the most deprived communities in the country.

Ed Jewell, the president of Libraries Connected – which represents library services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – said: “Public libraries are particularly vulnerable during this kind of disorder as they are often in prominent locations and are, rightly, easily accessible. Yet they are also symbolic of community safety and cohesion – open and free civic spaces where everyone is welcome.”

Brothers Adam Wharton, 28, and Ellis Wharton, 22, pleaded guilty to charges of burgling the library at Liverpool magistrates’ court on Monday 5th August. Ellis also pleaded not guilty to charges of assault on an emergency worker. A police statement explained: “When firefighters arrived those gathered tried to stop them, without success, from getting to the fire to put it out. They even threw a missile at the fire engine and broke the rear window of the cab.”

In an update from Alex, who is liasing with the council and library management, it was revealed that: “As this money is going to a council-run library, there’s a small delay in withdrawing the funds, as it has to be ring-fenced specifically for Spellow. Please rest assured that all of the money raised will go to the incredible Spellow Hub, and I will post updates throughout.”

Alex also added: “Thank you again for your continued support and generosity, and for proving that there will always be good-hearted people in the world.”