The library has been closed to the public throughout July for renovations. While we thought we might be able to safely open and let members in to browse, we have continued to experience delays with the library renovation. With upgrades still ongoing, MEL is offering curbside pickup on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10am - 12:00 pm starting Tuesday July 30th.  Use the library online catalog to select the item(s) you wish to borrow; then email your requests for pickup to circulation@meridaenglishlibrary.com.  You will be notified by email when your items are available for pickup, which will be within 48 hours.

We appreciate your patience and we can’t wait for you to join us inside again!

Other things to know:

• Please request alternative items in case some of your choices are not available.

• Requests will be fulfilled in the order that they are received.

• Items on hold for pickup will be held for three days. If you are unable to collect your items during that time they will be returned to circulation.

• The existing limits of five books per individual membership and 20 per household remain valid.

• Existing return system through the door slot remains.

• Please remember to wait for confirmation that your order is ready before coming to pick up your books. 

We will share updates on the library’s website at meridaenglishlibrary.com

Dear supporters of the Mérida English Library,

The Library has a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community this fall. With the support of the US Consulate, we developed a course called the English Practice Mentorship to help local university students become more competitive in applying for positions in English-speaking institutions, and to improve their overall career prospects. 

We pair local university students with native English-speaking mentors to enhance their skills and confidence in making oral presentations, writing effective resumes & cover letters, and interviewing.

I would like you to consider being a mentor to two students. We are looking for volunteers who can commit to attending weekly in-person classes and helping the students with their assignments between sessions. Each in-person class is 2 1/2 hours, the course lasts approximately 2 1/2 months beginning in September. You should have experience related to hiring, interviewing, or teaching/coaching/mentoring. You will be responsible for getting yourself to the classes. Carpooling can be arranged. 

There are volunteer opportunities at two universities this Fall:

Option 1: UADY (Autonomous University of Yucatan) - Classes will be held at one of the UADY campuses in or near Mérida Centro on Monday afternoons, beginning September 9 and ending November 11. No class September 16 due to the holiday. There will be a mix of students from different disciplines.

Option 2: UPY (Yucatan Polytechnic University) - Classes will be held at their campus  west of Mérida near Caucel on Saturday mornings, beginning September 7 and ending November 2. These are engineering students. 

These are formal elective courses and the students will be proficient in English. Your task will be to help these students become skillful and confident in applying for the positions they seek. We expect that you will find this experience rewarding and perhaps establish friendships with your students that could last for years.

I hope you will see this, as I do, as a great chance to help eager and worthy students achieve their life goals.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Library Administrator at info@meridaenglishlibrary.com and state whether you want to be considered for UADY, UPY or either option.

Warmest Regards,

Greg Casini

President, MEL Board of Directors