From fire to light – a spotlight on unity marks re-opening of arson-hit library

Liverpool is bringing the light back next month as city prepares to reopen the library and community hub which was torched during the summer’s racist riots.

Spellow Library and Community Hub will become part of the community once again, following the completion of works to rectify the damage which destroyed part of the building in August, closing the much-loved venue that had only been open for just over a year, following a revamp in 2023.

The arson attack on the Walton based venue, which prompted a huge outcry and a nationwide response with book donations from Her Majesty the Queen and a host of famous authors as well as a £250,000 fundraising campaign, will open its doors to the public once again on Thursday, 12 December.

To mark the occasion, the Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, is calling on every local authority in the country to be part of a nationwide symbolic moment on the eve of the reopening.

Councillor Robinson is writing to councils, asking them to light up one of their libraries on Wednesday 11 December, 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 symbolically shine a light on libraries as places of sanctuary, knowledge and community.

Details of the reopening event – and a special celebratory community-focused programme of events – which will take place in December, will be announced very soon.

Any organisation which wants to get involved in the lighting up moment can email cultureliverpool@liverpool.gov.uk and they are encouraged to share their photos on social media using #SharetheLight #Spellow #Libraries.

For more information, visit the Culture Liverpool website.

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam 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 which is why we’re asking other libraries to join us on the 11 December and be part of this milestone moment.”