Community Raises Funds to Repair Liverpool Library After Fire

A fundraising campaign aimed at repairing the Spellow Hub library in Liverpool, which was severely damaged by rioters earlier this month, has garnered nearly £250,000. The GoFundMe initiative saw a remarkable increase in donations, more than doubling the initial £120,000 raised shortly after the incident. The library's ground floor suffered extensive fire damage, prompting a swift response from the literary community, with 150 authors pledging to donate books within the first 24 hours. Among the notable authors contributing to the cause are Philip Pullman, Kate Mosse, and CL Taylor. Writer and campaign organizer, Riches, expressed her disbelief at the overwhelming support, emphasizing the importance of libraries in working-class communities. She described the destruction of the recently refurbished library as a "disgrace," highlighting the critical need for free access to books and safe community spaces. Liverpool City Council is overseeing the allocation of the funds raised, with McCormick, a local representative, praising the council's support. She expressed a desire to give back to the community and hopes that those responsible for the damage can channel their energy into positive actions moving forward. The police reported that rioters obstructed firefighters from accessing the library, even throwing objects at emergency vehicles. Riches concluded that the campaign's success reflects a strong commitment from authors, agents, and publishers to support libraries and their vital role in society.