Resurgence of Spellow Library After Anti-Migrant Riots in Liverpool

After a brutal attack during last summer's anti-immigrant riots, Spellow Library in Liverpool has begun the journey of restoration, fueled by donations from over 10,000 supporters who refuse to let the past dictate their future.

The Spellow Library, a community cornerstone in Liverpool, faced devastation last summer during a wave of anti-immigrant riots that swept across Britain. Once the dust settled, manager Deborah Moore was confronted with the grim aftermath: charred books and furniture, remnants of a recently completed refurbishment that had transformed the space into a bustling community hub.

The library had offered valuable services, including job training workshops and family groups, until the events of August brought chaos to the neighborhood of Walton, known for its social challenges. Instead of surrendering to despair, Moore and her team chose resilience. As she stated, “Watch us come back from this, because we won’t be beaten."

The riots were ignited by the tragic murder of three young girls in nearby Southport, which triggered a wave of misinformation that wrongly implicated a newly arrived immigrant as the perpetrator. In reality, the attacker, Axel Rudakubana, was British-born to Rwandan parents. His actions sparked violent reprisals across multiple cities, leading to more than 400 arrests.

In the wake of this turmoil, the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Over 10,000 locals poured their support into restoring Spellow Library, breathing new life into the space and reaffirming its critical role in fostering togetherness and resilience amid adversity. The library stands as a testament to collective strength, ready to continue its mission of serving the diverse community of Liverpool.