British crime writer Marnie Riches has launched a Reading not Rioting campaign that has seen hundreds of books donated to a community library in Liverpool damaged in recent riots.
“It started as a single tweet,” she told The Bookseller. “I saw that the library in Liverpool had been destroyed by far-right rioters and that it had recently been refurbished. I was so upset because I’m a northern writer and a writer of working class origin, so libraries are very important to me and I understand their role in the community.”
There have been riots in a number of towns in the UK following the murder of three young girls in Southport on 29 July. Misleading reports on social media have led far rights protesters to target hotels where migrants are believed to be staying, and to cause damage to many public buildings, including libraries.
Riches added: “There’s also the issue of the library not having immediate stock to hand. These rioters have injured a community because a library is a place of social cohesion and learning and self-improvement and ordinary people have nothing to read.
“So I thought, I have a backlist of 20 books and I can send them a box and thought I’d send a shout-out [on X] to see who might want to join me, I have a good network as I’m a crime writer and used to be a children’s writer. I put a call out saying I was donating my entire backlist and the response has been huge. It’s the most popular tweet I’ve had, including 90,000 impressions and, crucially, almost 160 authors have already pledged to send books.”
The library has also received more than £170,000 in a crowdfunder campaign.
Liverpool council said: “Over the last few days we have been contacted by an incredible number of people, organisations and businesses following the violence at the weekend that led to Spellow Hub and its library being seriously damaged.
“From thousands of pounds of cash donations to replace destroyed books and IT equipment, to the use of building spaces so that community services can continue at a time when they are most needed, the thoughtfulness and generosity has been overwhelming. It shows the very best of the people of Liverpool and beyond.
“Our library team is currently assessing what book stock and equipment will need to be replaced and a survey is also being conducted on the fabric of the building. Once this has been completed, we will be better placed to formally accept donations and offers of help. On behalf of the city, thank you for your support. It is deeply appreciated and deeply humbling.”