'Hate will never win' as library torched by rioters to reopen

A library and community hub torched by vandals during the height of the summer riots will reopen next month. Following the tragic killings of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance club in Southport in July, tempers flared across Merseyside and throughout the country, with hundreds of people taking to the streets in the seaside town and then on County Road, where the Liverpool Council-run Spellow Hub was damaged significantly.

The library, which had only reopened in March last year, was targeted as bins were set alight and shops were looted. It left a vital community asset in one of the country’s most deprived communities out of action.

After a remarkable public fundraising campaign, which generated £250,000 for the renovation of the site, the city council has now confirmed the hub will reopen on Thursday, December 12. To mark the occasion, the local authority is calling on councils around the country to join Liverpool in solidarity on the day.

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Cllr Liam Robinson is writing to councils, asking them to light up one of their libraries on Wednesday December 11 in a show of solidarity, hope and joy. By having a light, or a lantern in a window, or illuminating the outside of a building, this will shine a light on libraries as places of sanctuary, knowledge and community.

This was encapsulated by how the community came together to support the renovation of Spellow amid the horrifying scenes in the summer. Watching on from her home, Alex McCormick felt the need to do something.

What was initially a gesture to raise £500 to give the L4 site a boost, spiralled into a movement even bigger. 500 times bigger in fact, generating £250,000 in a matter of days, being backed by celebrities, politicians and royalty. Cllr Robinson said: “We wanted to do something to symbolise 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.

“The race riots that we witnessed in the summer sent shockwaves, not only across the country, but across the world. The mindless destruction of Spellow hit the headlines.

“This symbol of community safety and cohesion, a free haven where everyone is welcome, was set alight, and a vital neighbourhood asset was temporarily lost. In the days and weeks that followed, we were overwhelmed by the support and messages of goodwill which spurred on all the hard work which has taken place behind the scenes to get the Library and Hub back open so quickly.

“In the face of darkness, we will shine brighter than ever before, which is why we’re asking other libraries to join us on the 11 December and be part of this milestone moment.” Among those apprehended for their role in the disorder was 69-year-old William Morgan of Linton Street, who was found at the scene brandishing a club.

He was sentenced to 32 months in prison. Brothers Adam and Ellis Wharton were also jailed for their part in the riots after they looted Spellow Library after the building had been sent on fire.

Ellis Wharton attempted to steal a computer monitor while his elder brother Adam Wharton meanwhile waited outside the premises and acted as a "lookout". Adam Wharton, of Selwyn Street in Kirkdale, admitted burglary with intent to steal, was jailed for 20 months. Ellis Wharton pleaded guilty to the same charge and was imprisoned for 11 months.