Spellow Library Liverpool: Hundreds join stunning light parade as riot-hit community hub reopens

Spellow Library in Walton, 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, a show of solidarity lit up Walton to mark the reopening of the library.

A 300-strong lantern parade swept from Goodison Road before a symbolic light switch-on outside Spellow Hub. The rise of Spellow was also marked nationwide with the British Library in London among one of 135 sites across the country shining a light to mark the occasion.

The Queen Consort even acknowledged the incredible work that has gone into restoring the library, writing in a letter to the community: “You are an inspiration, and I do hope that you are enormously proud of yourselves.” Her Majesty also donated books from her personal collection, which are on display in a bookcase in the library.

Scores of libraries from Lancashire and Newcastle to Southampton and Cornwall took part and the theme of light has been used to symbolise libraries as places of sanctuary, knowledge and community.

Watch the full video above to see the incredible parade.