Liverpool honored as UK’s most generous city by GoFundMe after community raised £250,000 to repair Spellow Library following riot damage.
Last summer, riots damaged Spellow Library. This library had reopened just four months earlier, after a period of closure. People were upset after three girls died in Southport. Sadly, the library was significantly damaged during these events.
The community rallied to help rebuild and restore the library. They raised £250,000 for repairs. Even Queen Camilla donated books to support their efforts.
GoFundMe named Liverpool the UK’s most generous city for 2025. Alex McCormick started the fundraiser for the library. Cadogan said you can’t put a price on caring and the community spirit shown.
Cadogan watched the fundraiser grow quickly. He was impressed by both the city’s and the council’s response. The library reopened quickly after the damage was assessed and repaired.
A lantern parade celebrated the library’s reopening and the community’s resilience. Many libraries nationwide showed their support for Spellow Library. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram also attended, stating the response shows Scouse defiance in the face of adversity.
Rotheram noted that Alex started the momentum. Many people helped quickly with the effort. Small gifts from locals drew celebrity attention, enhancing the organic community effort.
Cadogan came from the US for the event. He gave awards to Rotheram, McCormick, and Councillor Doyle for their efforts. He said crises reveal a lot about what a community cares about. Liverpool stepped up in a huge way when it mattered most.
Cadogan explained why small donations matter so much. They show the support someone can give right now. It symbolizes what the cause truly means to people.
McCormick said Liverpool’s identity resonated deeply and widely. People who barely knew Liverpool still donated generously. They emphasized the library’s importance to the community. The council will invest the £250,000 raised and they will work closely with the community throughout this next phase.
Councillor Doyle shared that staff were heartbroken by the events. The library is their workplace and their community hub. Reopening it quickly was their clear duty. The fast turnaround was unbelievable for all those involved.