May is a special month for us, a time to celebrate care, connection, and the many ways we nurture one another.

This month, we want to honor and recognize all the mothers in our community, those raising children, those who have raised them, those who care, guide, teach, and support others with love. Motherhood takes many forms, and each one deserves to be seen and celebrated. To all of you, we extend our deepest appreciation, admiration, and gratitude. 

At the same time, we have some important updates we would like to share with you regarding MEL’s continued growth and sustainability.  As we move into the warmer months in Mérida, we also want to gently remind everyone to take care of themselves: stay hydrated, use sun protection, and listen to your body during these hotter days.

If you visit us at MEL, please know that we have cool, comfortable spaces ready to welcome you. All of our activities during this season will take place in our air-conditioned classroom to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Dear MEL Community,

First and foremost, thank you for being such an essential part of the Mérida English Library. Your support is what allows MEL to thrive as a space for connection, learning, and community.

For the past five years, MEL has maintained the same membership fees. During this time, our library has grown significantly.

Today, MEL is no longer just a lending library — it has evolved into a vibrant community center offering over 20,000 items, expanded programming for all ages, cultural events, improved facilities, extended hours, and a dedicated team that supports our daily operations.

We have also taken important steps to strengthen the quality of our collection by establishing a monthly budget for new books, ensuring our shelves remain current, diverse, and engaging.

Looking ahead, we are working toward an important expansion of our spaces, including improvements that will enhance children’s programming and community use. This next phase is a meaningful investment in MEL’s future and in the experience we offer to everyone who walks through our doors.

At the same time, operating costs have increased significantly over the years, and our current fees no longer reflect the true cost of sustaining and growing MEL.

New Membership Rates – Effective July 1, 2026

We are pleased to share our updated membership structure, designed to better reflect the value of what MEL offers while continuing to serve our diverse community:

• Student / Teacher Membership – $150 annually
  Supporting access to reading and learning for public school students and educators in Yucatán.

• Individual Membership – $500 annually
  Ideal for regular users, with added benefits such as event discounts and pre-sale access.

• Family Membership – $700 annually (Best Value)
  Designed for households, offering greater borrowing capacity and expanded event access for multiple members.

We wanted to share this update with you in advance and warmly invite all current and future members to take advantage of the current rates by renewing or purchasing memberships before July 1.  Renew now and lock in our current pricing.

This decision was made with great care. Our goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability of MEL while continuing to offer a welcoming, enriching, and evolving space for our entire community.

We remain committed to keeping MEL accessible, particularly by maintaining our student membership rate while responsibly supporting the growth and future of the library.

We are deeply grateful for your understanding and continued support. Together, we are building the next chapter of MEL.

If you have any questions or would like assistance with your membership, please don’t hesitate to reach out or visit us at the library.

With gratitude,
The Mérida English Library Board of Directors

After the incredible response to his Yucatecan Art History series last month, Raúl Gasque returns to MEL with a powerful new course exploring the deep connection between art and politics in Mexico.

This five-session series goes beyond traditional art history. Through paintings, murals, photography, film, and discussion, participants will discover how artists helped shape Mexico’s identity—responding to revolution, nationalism, and cultural change.

Each session is a rich, immersive experience combining:
• Visual analysis
• Archival material & film
• Critical readings
• Group discussion

Starts May 4 | 9:30 AM in MEL’s air-conditioned classroom

This is not just about art—it’s about understanding Mexico through its most powerful cultural expressions.

Register in the MEL Shop

Discover the vibrant world of alebrijes in this hands-on papier-maché workshop designed to stimulate fine motor skills and cognitive development through engaging, accessible, and non-frustrating projects. In a comfortable, well-lit environment, participants will enhance concentration, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and practice mindfulness—while enjoying the creative process.

Throughout four sessions, participants will explore the key elements of alebrijes and design their own piece based on their personality and imagination. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have created a unique, meaningful, and fully personalized artwork.

Instructor Profile
Landy Sotomayor Saad is a Mexican visual artist and the heir to the artistic legacy of renowned Lebanese-Yucatecan painter Don Miguel Saad Téller. She has been recognized by the Embassy of Mexico in Greece and the Mexican Association in Greece for her cultural and artistic contributions. With extensive experience in artisanal techniques and creative processes, her work blends traditional and contemporary materials, promoting art as a tool for expression, cultural identity, and personal well-being.

Dates: Tuesday & Thursday  May 12, 14, 19, and 21
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: MEL’s air-conditioned classroom
Cost: $1,300 MXN (full workshop)
Includes: all materials and coffee break

Register here 

The Mérida English Library is happy to host this fabulous workshop where moms and their children can participate to enjoy Mother’s Day - Painting Workshop with us.

We found inspiration for this workshop in the colors of the Yucatán, and the layers of History beneath them. It’s a reminder of how our mothers imprint on us from the very beginning—how they shape the layers within us, just as they were shaped by the generations before them. So much of who we are is built in these unseen layers. We will be guided through a series of prompts to generate descriptive words connected to their experiences, memories, or relationships. From there, we’ll translate those words into simple shapes or symbols—visual representations of those ideas.

All materials are included, along with a light snack, coffee-based drinks and juice.

Enjoy this artistic activity in the air-conditioned classroom with great music and friends of the library.

Saturday, May 9, from 10 am to 1:00 pm

Moms with a child get a special price when sharing the materials.

$500 pesos per adult   / $600 pesos (1 adult + 1 kid)

This May, join Richie for energizing Pilates classes at MEL!

Don’t worry about the heat—classes are held in our A/C Classroom for your comfort. Just bring comfortable clothing, your mat, and a great attitude. (If you don’t have a mat, we have a few available to lend.)

Come move, stretch, and feel great—we look forward to seeing you! Register here

Tai Chi Update

There will be no Tai Chi sessions during the month of May. However, Mónica will be back in June, resuming her regular schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in our air-conditioned classroom.

You can reserve your spot online starting now!

Join us on Thursday, May 28 as we gather to discuss The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai.

We warmly invite all avid readers to be part of this welcoming group of book lovers. Come share your thoughts, enjoy great conversation, and connect with others who love reading as much as you do.

All are welcome!

Join us on Wednesday, May 6 and May 20 at 11:00 AM in our A/C Classroom for our Writers Group gatherings.

This is an open and welcoming space for anyone interested in writing—whether you're an experienced author or just beginning your journey. Come share your work, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow writers in a supportive and creative environment. All are welcome!

Spanish Classes at the Mérida English Library are back! 🇲🇽 Join us every Wednesday and Friday starting at 4:00 PM and jump into the class that fits your level.

✔️ 50-minute sessions

✔️ Twice a week

✔️ All materials included

✔️ Air-conditioned classroom

Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your Spanish, we’ve got a group for you.

NEW! Online classes now available Join our beginner group or book a private session via Zoom.

For more information, contact: Teacher Alfonso - asesoriasdeidiomasmerida@gmail.com

Discover the difference a library can make!

At the Mérida English Library, we welcome students of all levels to explore the only English-language library in Yucatán. During each visit, students tour our spaces, learn how to find books, and take part in an engaging activity designed for their level.

• Max. 25 students

• School supervisor required

Visits are by appointment, check our availability and more details here

Join our Alcoholics Anonymous group every Thursday at 7:00 PM.

This is a private and supportive space, open to anyone seeking community and recovery. All are welcome.

Join us this May for Storytime on Saturdays, May 16 and 30 at 10:00 AM at the Mérida English Library.

This month’s stories are Henry's Show and Tell and Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed—two fun and engaging reads for young listeners!

Storytime is designed for children ages 3–9, and each session includes a creative arts & crafts activity after the reading.

This program is free and open to all children—come enjoy a fun and memorable Saturday at MEL!

Join us on Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 PM for a fun-filled evening at the Mérida English Library!

Alfonso will be there to host an exciting night of BINGO, where you might just get lucky and take home a prize.

Enjoy snacks provided and a cash bar available. Don’t miss it, bring your friends and join the fun!

Volunteers Wanted: House & Garden Tour Committee 

The Mérida English Library is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help organize one of our most beloved fundraisers: The Original MEL House & Garden Tour.

As we prepare for the upcoming season, we are forming a new committee and inviting community members to get involved in roles such as coordination, homeowner liaison, registration, volunteers, logistics, and more.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community, support MEL, and be part of a truly special program.

 View role descriptions and more information on our website.

📩 Interested? Contact us at info@meridaenglishlibrary.com or tours@meridaenglishlibrary.com

An informational meeting and training session will be announced soon.

Our Chess Club for Teens will take a break this summer, as our instructors, Tammy and Ron, are now out of town.

We are currently looking for volunteer instructors who would be interested in continuing this program for our group of young players.

📩 If you’re interested, please contact us at info@meridaenglishlibrary.com

Join us every Monday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at our conversation tables!

This program is a meaningful opportunity for local young people who see MEL as a place to practice and improve their English for professional and academic goals. Through informal and friendly conversations, participants build confidence, expand their vocabulary, and connect with others in the community.

We are currently looking for native English-speaking volunteers who would like to share their time and support this program. If you’re interested in becoming a host, we would love to hear from you!