| | July always brings a different rhythm to Mérida. While many members are traveling or enjoying a quieter summer, we're already looking ahead and planning an exciting new season at the Mérida English Library.
| As we begin preparing our upcoming programs, classes, talks, and library services, we'd love to hear from you. Our community has always been the heart of MEL, and your ideas help us create experiences that are meaningful, engaging, and relevant.
| This month, we're inviting all members, visitors, volunteers, and friends of MEL to complete our Community Interest Survey. Whether you're a regular visitor or someone who hasn't stopped by in a while, your feedback is incredibly valuable.
| The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and asks about the programs you enjoy, new activities you'd like to see, library services, preferred days and times, and any ideas you'd like to share. We'll also ask for your name and email so we can ensure we're hearing from our community and, when appropriate, follow up on your suggestions.
| While we may not be able to implement every idea, every response will be carefully reviewed as we plan the months ahead. Together, we can continue building a library that reflects the interests and passions of our community.
| Thank you for helping shape the future of MEL!
| | | | A Friendly Celebration of Canada Day & Independence Day
| Join us on Saturday, July 4 at 10:00 AM for a festive morning inspired by Canada Day and US Independence Day. This is not a political event—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the cultures, traditions, and friendships that have become such an important part of the MEL community.
| Gather your friends, or make new ones as you enjoy a delicious brunch and compete in a fun Jeopardy-style trivia game hosted by the MEL staff.
| Test Your Knowledge!
| Form a team and challenge yourselves with questions about Canada and the United States in categories such as:
| 🍁 Geography - 📚 History - 🍔 Food - 🗣️ Culture
| The team with the highest score will take home a special prize.
| Brunch Options
| Full Celebration Breakfast $250 pesos
| Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring pancakes with maple syrup and banana, a savory meat-filled croissant, an individual serving of poutine, a yogurt parfait with fruit and granola, and your choice of coffee, tea, orange juice, or a soft drink.
| Breakfast Combo $150 pesos
| Choose either pancakes or a croissant, plus your choice of poutine or yogurt parfait, and one beverage.
| Whether you're Canadian, American, Mexican, or enjoy good food, great company, and a little friendly competition, everyone is welcome.
| Come hungry, bring your team spirit, and join us for a morning filled with laughter, delicious food, and community.
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| | Join artist, writer, and educator Raúl Gasque for a thought-provoking lecture series exploring the relationship between politics, society, and artistic expression in contemporary Mexico.
| Through illustrated lectures, visual analysis, literature, and open discussion, participants will examine the ideas and creative processes of some of Mexico's most influential artists, photographers, writers, and cultural thinkers. Together, we'll explore how artistic practices have challenged conventions, reflected social transformation, and shaped new cultural narratives.
| Upcoming sessions include:
| Monday, July 6: New Territories of Contemporary Art
| Saturday, July 11 : New Voices, New Futures
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| | Move with Intention. Breathe with Ease.
| Start your morning with the gentle practice of Taiji on the rooftop of the Mérida English Library.
| Led by instructor Mónica González, these classes help improve balance, flexibility, coordination, and overall well-being through mindful movement in a peaceful outdoor setting.
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• Individual class: $100 MXN
| Discount packages available:
• 6 classes – $500 MXN. • 7 classes – $575 MXN. • 8 classes – $600 MXN. • 9 classes – $675 MXN. • 10 classes – $750 MXN
• 12 classes – $900 MXN
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| | We invite our community to come move, stretch, and recharge with us each week at MEL. Join Richie Poe every Friday at MEL for Pilates from 10:45 AM to 11:40 AM in MEL’s air-conditioned classroom.
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| | Community Support Group
| The group offers a safe, respectful, and confidential space for anyone seeking support, community, and understanding. All are welcome, and privacy remains a fundamental part of the program’s commitment to participants.
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| | MEL Book Club invites readers to join us this month for a discussion of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
| We look forward to gathering on Thursday, July 30 at 10:00 AM for another engaging morning of literature, conversation, and community at MEL.
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| | Learn English. Make Friends. Have Fun!
| The MEL Summer Camp is back for its 4th edition!
| Give your child an unforgettable summer filled with stories, games, arts & crafts, movement, and creativity all while developing English in a fun, supportive environment.
| Designed for children ages 6–12, our English immersion program welcomes both beginners and elementary learners, with activities tailored to each child's level. Guided by English educators and international volunteers, campers build confidence in speaking and understanding English through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
| July 13 – July 31, 2026
Monday–Friday 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
| Choose the option that works best for your family:
| • 1 week: $800 MXN
• 2 weeks: $1,500 MXN
• 3 weeks: $2,000 MXN
| Register for one, two, or all three weeks!
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| | The MEL Writers Group returns July 15 at 11:00 AM.
| Whether you're an experienced writer, an occasional journalist, or simply curious about storytelling and creative expression, you'll find a welcoming community ready to inspire and support your writing journey.Share ideas, receive thoughtful feedback, and connect with fellow writers in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
| We look forward to another month of creativity, conversation, and great stories at the Mérida English Library.
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| | Looking for a fun evening with friends while supporting the Mérida English Library?
Join us for MEL Bingo Night, our monthly community fundraiser where laughter, friendly competition, and exciting cash prizes come together for a great cause. Mark your calendar: Saturday, July 25.
| Play traditional bingo with five exciting rounds, each featuring a different winning pattern. Half of the proceeds from each round are awarded as cash prizes, while the other half supports the programs and services of the Mérida English Library.
| Enjoy the game, meet fellow members of the community, and stop by our cash bar for refreshing drinks and delicious snacks throughout the evening.
🎟️ Bingo booklet (5 cards): $150 MXN
| Whether you're a seasoned bingo player or trying it for the first time, everyone is welcome.
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| | | | This July, our friends from Democrats Abroad return to MEL to offer Voter Assistance services for U.S. citizens living abroad.
| We encourage community members interested in voter registration assistance, election information, and upcoming activities to follow Democrats Abroad through their official social media channels and stay informed about their calendar of events and community programs.
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| | | | As part of our summer schedule, Story Time and Conversaciones con Amigos will be taking a short seasonal break during July and August.
| Both programs will return in September, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for another great season of learning, conversation, and community.
| In the meantime, be sure to stay connected by following our official communication channels for updates on upcoming events, summer activities, and the start dates for our fall programs.
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| | New Summer Program by
| Asesorías de Idiomas Mérida
| Looking for a meaningful way to experience Mérida this summer?
| Join us for a unique program that combines practical Spanish lessons with guided cultural explorations of some of Yucatán's most iconic places.
| Program Dates: July 7 – August 1, 2026
| Each week you'll prepare online on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM (Zoom) and then put your Spanish into practice during Saturday morning cultural visits around Mérida.
| During the program you'll visit:
| Government Palace of Yucatán, San Sebastián Market, Mérida City Museum, Grand Museum of the Maya World
| Designed especially for English-speaking visitors, expats, and travelers, this beginner-friendly program (CEFR A1–A2) will help you communicate confidently while discovering the culture, history, and traditions of Yucatán.
| Program Highlights
| ✔ Practical Spanish for everyday situations
| ✔ Small groups with personalized instruction
| ✔ Live online lessons
| ✔ Guided cultural experiences
| ✔ A fun and welcoming learning environment
| Alfonso López
Spanish Instructor – Asesorías de Idiomas Mérida
| 📧 asesoriasdeidiomasmerida@gmail.com
| 📱 +52 999 968 6984
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| | Heading to the U.S. This Summer?
| Become a Book Carrier!
| One of the wonderful ways our community helps keep the Merida English Library shelves full is by bringing books from the United States. Unfortunately, we didn't have any volunteer Book Carriers during June, so we're hoping July and August will be a little luckier!
| If you're planning a trip to the U.S. this summer and have a little extra room in your suitcase, would you consider bringing back one or two books or even more if you have the space? Every book makes a difference, and even a small contribution helps us continue expanding our collection for the community.
| If you'd like to help, please contact Marianne Kehoe at kehoedds@gmail.com for more information.
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| Interested in volunteering?
| | Join our informative zoom meeting on Tuesday July 7th.
| Request Zoom access by email.
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| Thank for your donations
| | Janelle Masden - Liz Walser- Todd Squitieri - Isabelle LeBlanc - Jeremy Miransky - Ana Paula - Alexandra Wesley Smith - Carole Carmel - David Baun - Regina Velez - Russell King
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