The Merida English Library is an English language lending library, open to the public through a nominal paying membership.  It is based  on the model of the classic, local public library, which is the centerpiece of every community in the United States and Canada. The Mission of the Merida English Library is to provide English language materials in all formats to meet the information, educational and recreational needs of English-speaking people of all ages in the diverse communities which make up Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. A Member of the American Library Association, the Merida English Library is committed to the ALA's Intellectual Freedom Policy.
MEL is a Mexican not-for-profit institution serving Yucatan’s cross cultural English language needs. MEL is a collection of 17,000 books ranging from bet sellers to scholarly biographies and resources on Maya and Yucatan culture. MEL is a place where locals, tourists and visitors alike find answers – Is it difficult for a single person to live in Merida? Is the water safe to drink? Where can I find…? I need a page-turner. What do you suggest? MEL is a reading room where one can peruse newspapers and magazines, check the community bulletin board and community calendar.

MEL is a garden where one can relax in the shade of our neem tree. MEL is a venue for cultural events such as lectures on – Aging Successfully, 17th Century Merida, the Maya Calendar. MEL is a place where writer’s workshops, conversations in English and Spanish, and childrens’ story hour take place. MEL is the annual 53rd Street Scene - take your pick from fine antiques or garage junk and vote for your favorite chili during the Chili Cook Off. MEL is where friends meet and where folks make new friends.

Volunteers staff us, and almost all books in the Library have been donated to us by generous members and friends. The library functions not only as a book-lending center but also as a community center.  Bring a group of your friends and play dominos, backgammon, Scrabble, or do some jigsaw puzzles.  We also offer an Internet connection to the community at large for ten pesos per half hour!

Our children's reading room is very popular and well stocked. It will continue to grow with the help of our generous donors and friends.  Our "Children's Story Hour" takes place every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. 

We offer for sale a variety of books (a bargain at $10 pesos each), Neem Tree Farms Lotions, tinctures and Outdoor Gel (for those nagging mosquitoes), the "official" new library logo apron, and a MEL book bag and while supplies last, the latest bus route map of Merida.
 
Won't YOU come by and see what all the excitement is about?  Better yet, become a MEL member and experience it ALL for a very low membership fee.