🍂 October is here!

October has arrived, and Mérida’s weather is finally giving us a little break—with slightly cooler days that are very much welcome! Around the city, we’re also beginning to feel the excitement of the season, with Halloween and Janal Pixán just around the corner.

At MEL, October also marks the beginning of one of our busiest and most exciting times of the year. As our community grows busier and many familiar faces return to Mérida, our calendar begins to fill with classes, workshops, talks, special events, and plenty of opportunities to connect at the Library.

And a friendly reminder: your voice matters to us! We truly appreciate everyone who has already taken the time to share their thoughts through our latest survey. Your feedback helps us better understand how our community uses MEL and how we can continue improving.

If you haven’t completed the survey yet, there’s still time! Take the MEL Survey here

THE FIRST DOOR OPENS! A NEW SEASON – A BEAUTIFUL NEW SETTING!

MEL WINE EVENINGS return for our 2026/2027 season on Thursday, 22 October 2026.  And what a lovely way to commence!

Our opening evening welcomes us into a remarkable setting in the heart of Mérida Centro: a gracious home that has recently emerged from a restoration, thoughtfully blending Yucatecan tradition with contemporary elegance.  New to the MEL Wine Evenings family, this enchanting home is ready to welcome us!

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and filled with beautiful designs, furnishings, art and inviting spaces, this home offers the perfect backdrop for an evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres, friendship, discovery, and celebration.  

Tickets for the October Wine Evening go on sale in the MEL Shop to MEL Members at 9:00 AM on Thursday October 8.  These members-only tickets require an up-to-date Family or Individual library membership.  Please send us an email to check your membership status or to get your membership number.  Remaining tickets go on sale without restriction on Monday October 12, online or at the library.  Individual tickets are $800 for MEL Members and $900 for non-members.

Wine Lovers may now purchase season tickets for all six events.

Restrictions apply; please visit our website for details.

Join us as we raise a glass to the beginning of another wonderful season …. 26/27 is about to unfold!

MEL’s Original House & Garden Tour Season is Coming! 

We’re excited to announce our new coordinator for this season, Jessica Varnum! She will be working alongside Ana Cristina Alaluf to continue to bring you exciting experiences

Starting Wednesday, November 4, and continuing every Wednesday until March 24, they’ll be exploring alongside you colorful and unique homes showcasing a variety of artistic styles.

Many proud property owners have transformed their houses into vibrant art-filled spaces with stunning designs and concepts, opening their doors for you to admire and hear the stories of how they have kept and maintained the beauty of antique saloon doors, original floors and amiable facades.

The best part? New locations, more evening tours, and no price increase this year!

Get your tickets in person during library hours or online in the MEL Shop. Become a MEL member to get discounted weekly tickets to the House & Garden Tour, or to take advantage of the six-session partial-season pass. Visit our website for more information.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful experience!

Interested in volunteering?We’re looking for Shepherds and guides. Please contact us at tours@meridaenglishlibrary.com 

Bookbinding Workshop Has a New Date

Our upcoming Bookbinding Workshop Fundraiser, led by Daria Wilber with the assistance of a bilingual helper, has been rescheduled for Monday, November 9.

If you have ever wondered how a simple sheet of paper can be transformed into a handmade book, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to find out. During this hands-on session, participants will learn several folded book forms, practice basic folding and binding techniques, and experiment with decorative and everyday papers to create books of their own.

No previous bookbinding experience is necessary. All workshop materials will be provided, and participants will take home both their practice pieces and finished handmade books.

The workshop is open to participants ages 16 and above, with space limited to 10 participants.

Monday, November 9  - 9:30 AM–Noon
$500 MXN per participant

Best of all, 100% of the participation fee is donated to Mérida English Library, making this an opportunity to learn a creative new skill while directly supporting MEL and its programs.

If the previous date did not work for you, we hope you will take advantage of this new opportunity to join us.

Register through the MEL online shop to reserve your place.

Coming Soon: Raúl Gasque Returns to MEL

LATIN AMERICA: Modern Art & Politics

Raúl Gasque returns to Mérida English Library with a new course exploring Latin American art through the political, social, and cultural transformations that have shaped the region.

Revolutions, military dictatorships, indigenous movements, migration, economic crises, and struggles for democracy have all left their mark on Latin American artistic production. Rather than presenting a traditional chronological history of art, Raúl examines how artists across different countries responded to these transformations—and how their work helped shape national identity, political discourse, and collective memory.

Across four three-hour sessions, participants will explore influential artists and movements while becoming familiar with concepts such as Modernism, Indigenismo, Muralism, the Latin American Avant-Garde, Coloniality, Decolonial Thought, Memory Studies, and Contemporary Political Art. Each class combines lecture, visual analysis, and creative activities.

Whether your interests lie in art, history, politics, or Latin American culture, this series offers an opportunity to look at the region and its art from a broader perspective.

Four sessions, beginning at 9:30 AM
Four Sessions: $3,300 MXN
Three Sessions: $2,600 MXN
Two Sessions: $1,800 MXN
One Session: $950 MXN

Registration is now open through the MEL Shop. Join us for the complete series or select the individual sessions that interest you most.

Please join us at the Mérida English Library as we come together to celebrate the life of Barry Zahn, a dear friend and an important part of the MEL community.

For a decade, Barry generously dedicated his time, energy, and talents to the growth of the Mérida English Library. His commitment helped shape MEL into the community we know today, and his friendship touched many along the way.

On Thursday, October 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, we invite Barry’s friends and members of the MEL community to gather at the Library, share stories and memories, and raise a glass in his honor.

This will be an informal evening of remembrance, friendship, and gratitude as we celebrate Barry’s life and the lasting contribution he made to MEL.

Please feel welcome to come, share a memory, and join us in a toast to Barry. 🤍

NEW AT MEL: MAAYAT’AAN — YUCATECAN MAYA LANGUAGE CLASS

Thanks to the tremendous interest expressed by our community — and to the feedback you shared in our recent survey — we are very happy to announce a new learning opportunity at the Mérida English Library!

In collaboration with the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY), MEL will offer Maayat’aan: Yucatecan Maya Language Class — Beginner Level, an introductory course designed especially for the MEL community.

This 40-hour program will introduce participants to the foundations of Maayat’aan, with an emphasis on basic language skills and everyday conversation.

The academic program and instructors are provided by UADY’s language program, and the course will be taught by a native Maayat’aan speaker, offering participants the opportunity to learn directly from a speaker of the language.

COURSE DETAILS

 Maayat’aan: Yucatecan Maya Language Class  101 Beginner Level
Tuesdays & Thursdays, beginning January 5.

 January–March . 40 hours | 20 two-hour sessions

Whole course Introductory price: $3,000 MXN.  Limited to 12 participants

Registration is now open. We encourage you to reserve your place before December and take advantage of this special introductory price.

Come learn a language that is an essential part of Yucatán’s living cultural heritage right here at MEL.

More Language Classes at MEL

Looking for more opportunities to practice a language at MEL?

MEL also offers English classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Spanish classes on Wednesdays and Fridays, taught by Certified Language Instructor, Alfonso López.

Whether you are looking to strengthen your English or improve your Spanish, we invite you to explore these ongoing learning opportunities at the Library.

Visit our website for complete information about schedules, levels, and registration.

Our Tai Chi classes continue throughout October, as always, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at MEL.

As Mérida’s busy season begins, our classroom is starting to fill up! If Tai Chi is part of your weekly routine or you’ve been thinking about giving it a try we recommend reserving your spot in advance.

Classes are open to all experience levels. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your place.

Register here: https://meridaenglishlibrary.com/register/p/tai-chi-lessons

Pilates is also part of MEL’s physical activity offerings! Join us every Friday at 10:45 AM for a class designed to help you build strength, improve flexibility, and keep your body moving.

As we head into the busy season, we recommend registering in advance to secure your spot.

Register here: https://meridaenglishlibrary.com/register/p/pilates-class-with-richie-poe

Threads of Identity Returns to MEL: A Celebration of Janal Pixan

Following the wonderful response to our first Threads of Identity gathering in August, we are pleased to welcome the program back to MEL this October for a special edition dedicated to Janal Pixan, the Maya tradition of honoring and remembering those who have passed.

On Saturday, October 24, MEL will once again welcome the master artisans of the Consejo Estatal de Bordadoras de Yucatán (Embroidery State Council) for a morning celebrating heritage, memory, craftsmanship, and identity.

Throughout the event, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artisans, learn about their hand-embroidery techniques, and discover the knowledge and traditions carried through their work. Their creations will be available for purchase, and a special fashion show will showcase their embroidery and craftsmanship.

In recognition of Janal Pixan, the morning will also include a traditional altar of offerings and a Maya ceremony led by a Maya spiritual leader, creating an opportunity to learn more about the meaning and traditions surrounding this important time of year in Yucatán.

Our MEL Storytime team will also participate by presenting a Maya legend in English, making this a celebration that can be shared across generations and cultures.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the morning.

Threads of Identity was created as a space to recognize the people, knowledge, and traditions that form part of Yucatán’s living cultural heritage. We invite the entire MEL community to join us for this special edition as we learn, remember, and celebrate together.

A Spooky Sunday at MEL! The MEL Bazaar is getting a Halloween makeover!

Join us on Sunday, October 18, for the MEL Spooky Bazaar, a festive morning of local shopping, creativity, music, costumes, and community fun.

Browse a wonderful selection of products from local artists, artisans, makers, and small businesses, including handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry and accessories, art, home and Halloween décor, plants, books, treats, drinks, and much more.

And there’s more than shopping! Throughout the morning, enjoy live music, a special Halloween workshop for kids, and prizes for the best Halloween costumes. Costumes are encouraged, so bring the family, invite your friends, and come ready for a little Halloween fun.

The MEL Bazaar is also a great opportunity to shop local and support the creative community while spending a Sunday morning at the Library.
Free admission | Family-friendly

Shop Local. Support Creativity. Celebrate Halloween at MEL

Two Special Stories for MEL Storytime This October

October brings two special MEL Storytime mornings for our youngest readers! Our wonderful Storytime volunteers will once again share stories in English from our children’s collection, followed by creative, hands-on activities inspired by each story.

Storytime is free, open to children of all ages, and everyone is welcome.

October 10 — Clifford’s First Autumn 10:00 AM : We’ll welcome the changing season with Clifford’s First Autumn, a sweet seasonal story featuring everyone’s favorite big red dog.

After the reading, children can stay for a fun autumn-inspired craft activity. Come listen, imagine, and create with us!

October 24 — The Baalam: A Maya Legend 10:30 AM: Our second Storytime of the month will be part of Threads of Identity: A Celebration of Janal Pixan at MEL.

For this special edition, our volunteers will share The Baalam, a Maya legend presented in English. Young readers will have an opportunity to discover a story rooted in Maya culture while exploring the connections between storytelling, language, tradition, and imagination.

A creative activity inspired by the story will follow the reading.

Hands of Hope returns to MEL this October, with gatherings on Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 27, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Since 2012, this dedicated group of crafters has created handmade hats and toys that are distributed weekly to children receiving treatment in the cancer unit at O’Horán Hospital. In addition to a hat, each child receives a toy and an activity book with crayons or colored pencils.

If you knit, crochet, or sew, you are warmly invited to join the group in the MEL classroom. Patterns and some materials are available to share, but participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment and supplies when possible.

Hands of Hope meets at MEL on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, October through March. New participants are always welcome.

You may notice a new name for one of our monthly programs! Family Game On at MEL is now Juegos para Todos / Games for Everyone at MEL.

The new name reflects the community spirit we want this program to embrace: a welcoming space where everyone can come together, play, learn, and have fun, regardless of age or experience.

Juegos para Todos / Games for Everyone is a volunteer-run MEL program that meets once a month for a morning of games, from 9:30 AM to 12:40 PM.

And this October, things are getting a little spooky!

Join us for our next Spooky Game Day on Saturday, October 19, starting at 9:30 AM. We’ll have games for all ages and all experience levels, including quiet games, cooperative games, learning games, language games, and more.

Games can be played in English and Spanish, and everyone is welcome. Bring your family, bring a friend, or simply come ready to meet new people around the game table.

Come play with us!

Book Bingo for Adults: Are You Up for the Challenge?

We’ve challenged our younger readers before—now it’s time for the adults to join the fun!

This fall, MEL invites you to take part in Book Bingo for Adults, a two-month reading challenge designed to encourage you to explore the diversity of our collection, discover new authors, and perhaps pick up a book you might not normally choose.

Beginning October 1, pick up your Book Bingo card at MEL. The card features 25 different reading categories. Each time you finish a book that fits one of the categories, mark the corresponding space and record the author and title on the back of your card.

How many can you complete before December?

Cards must be returned to the MEL front desk by December 1. The reader who completes the most categories will win—but this time, the prize is especially fitting for a book lover:

First Place: Choose three new books to be added to MEL’s collection.
Second Place: Choose two new books to be added to MEL’s collection.

In the event of a tie for the top spots, the two leading readers will each get to choose three new books for the Library.

You have two months and 25 categories. How many different corners of MEL’s collection can you explore?

Pick up your card beginning October 1 and accept the challenge!

Book Bingo for Adults is sponsored by MEL’s LCC.

There’s still time to join our free Poetry Writing Workshop at MEL!

The workshop meets every Thursday from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and will continue through November 5.

Whether you already write poetry or simply want to explore your creative side, come spend your Thursday mornings writing, sharing ideas, and connecting with fellow poetry enthusiasts.

We are delighted to see MEL’s Writers’ Group continuing to grow and to welcome both familiar and new faces to this creative community.

This October, the group will meet on Wednesday, October 7 and Wednesday, October 21 at 11:00 AM.

Whether you are an experienced writer or simply enjoy putting your ideas into words, we invite you to join us, share your work, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow writers.

Come write, share, and be part of MEL’s growing community of writers.

Tuesday, October 20 | 9:30 AM–12:30 PM

Get into the holiday spirit a little early! Join us at MEL for a special Card Making morning benefiting Yucatan Giving Outreach (YGO).

Spend a creative morning making beautiful handmade holiday cards while supporting the work of YGO in our community. Whether you're an experienced crafter or simply looking for a fun way to start preparing for the holidays, everyone is welcome!

This event is FREE and open to the public, and all materials are provided. No experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and holiday spirit!

Need help with U.S. voter registration or voting from abroad? Our U.S. Voters Assistance volunteers will be at MEL throughout October to provide information and assistance to U.S. citizens preparing to vote.

Evening Sessions: Wednesday, October 7 & 21
🕟 4:30–7:00 PM

Morning Sessions: Wednesday, October 14 & 28
🕤 9:30 AM–12:30 PM

MEL's Board has approved some changes to our donations policy as our collections are growing while our space remains the same.  In order to help keep our collections relevant, we are designating two days a week as Donation Days.  Members and friends of MEL who want to make donations will be welcome on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 9:00 and 12:30.  Donations of 25 or more items should be arranged in advance by emailing MEL at info@meridaenglishlibrary.com.  A Library Collections Committee member will be in touch and arrange a convenient time to meet you at MEL and review your donation.  You will be asked to keep any materials that don't fall within our published guidelines.

Revised Donations Policy

We accept books in English, jigsaw puzzles, and board games in good condition, our goal being the acquisition and maintenance of our library collection to ensure diverse materials for the community we serve.  Donations will be accepted two mornings a week, Tuesday and Saturday, between 9:00 and 12:30.  Donations of 25 or more items must be arranged in advance with the Library Collections Committee, and will be  reviewed at MEL on one of our two designated donation days, currently Tuesday  and Saturday.  We will review the donation with you, and any material we cannot accept will be returned.  Please send an email to info@meridaenglishlibrary.com and we will be in touch to arrange a convenient time for you to bring your donation.

Material we do not accept:

• Textbooks (except Spanish and English language learning materials)
• Workbooks & other curricular materials
• Encyclopedias & dictionaries
• Promotional materials
• Music
• VHS and cassette tapes
• CDs, DVDs & audiobooks
• Magazines
• Pamphlets & printed newsletters
• User manuals, catalogs & instructional materials
• Oversized or coffee table books not pertaining to Latin American subjects
• Materials in poor condition, with missing or torn pages and/or covers, odor, mold, or mildew

Due to space constraints we may periodically pause book donations for a short period of time to allow us to continue to process the materials we already have.

Donations of services and physical items are accepted at the discretion of the administrator, and any donation of 25 items or more must be approved by the library before delivery.  MEL does not pick up items.  Once materials are donated to MEL, they become the property of the library and may be used according to its needs.

Rick Faust - Edie - Pete Straume - Rebecca Rogers - Marcia Weaver - Regina Velez - Elizabeth Walser - David Meyer - Christine Angeles - Beatrice Geded - George Janzen - Phoebe Waller-Sharp - Russell Cane + Greg Reel - Lisa Spreitzer - Gabi Preciat - Lucy Hackett - Janelle Masden - Catherine Baron - Resa Harney - Danny Oberg - Miguel Vazquez - Jeff Robertson.

Download this great informative resource here