Texto y foto: Emilio Gómez
Traducción: Maggie Langenfeld
La Jornada Maya

Mérida, Yucatán
Miércoles 19 de febrero, 2020

In the Historic Center of Mérida, there is a space for coexistence and cultural exchange. This space is called the Merida English Library (MEL), a library with various materials in English formats. This site offers a wide variety of cultural, educational, and informational social services to the English-speaking community of Yucatán. Regardless of the level of mastery you have in Spanish, everyone is welcomed to come and enjoy the programs and events set in place here.

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?“We have a collection of more than 12,000 books, in addition to board games, puzzles, audiobooks, and DVD movies, most of which donated,” said Evonne VonBoek, secretary of the MEL, in a brief interview for [i]La Jornada Maya[/i].

She commented that the books are organized in the following categories: fiction, nonfiction, children, young adult, and magazine. In addition to that, the MEL has an extensive collection of Latin American literature that makes reference to Mayan and Yucatán culture. VonBoek proudly states that “90 per cent of the material we have were donated”.

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?"The facilities have been recently remodeled, and a lounge and terrace have been added to the patio", she said.

The MEL, which was opened in 1994, occupies what was once an old house in the Historic Center of Mérida. Upon entering, there are shelves with English literature, stands claiming DVD’s, and a conversation area providing a circular table with chairs. Nearby is another area specifically offered for children that also has a table and chairs suited for little ones. The teddy bears and educational materials serve to keep the children who visit entertained.

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A long corridor leading to a large courtyard with shade trees presents a mural of books, and the initials of the library. Nearing the end of this courtyard, a living room with large windows has been built. As part of the renovations, when opened, will join the outdoor space under the trees. Above this room stands a terrace with tables made for interacting with other MEL attendees.

The patio has an outdoor café with products such as coffee, soda, water, and beer, which are sold during the different activities the MEL hosts during the week.

VonBoek indicated that the library is maintained thanks to the community and managed thanks to a committee of which she takes part in. In addition to making donations through Amazon.com, volunteering plays an important part in the continual success of the MEL. VonBoek goes on to further explain what volunteers can do when she states, “They can help by serving on the board, at the reception, or by organizing and directing the different weekly activities. In addition to those, lecturing and serving as consultants in their field of expertise." For all of this, it is necessary to send an email to [email protected] or check the page [a=https://meridaenglishlibrary.com/?lang=es]https://meridaenglishlibrary.com/[/a] for more information.

"Many of those who live with us are expats (retired American and Canadian people who come to live in Yucatán to escape the cold, for longer periods of time, or already permanently reside in Mérida and Progreso), but the general public is welcome because the goal is to come together," concluded VonBoek.

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Memberships range from 150 pesos (annual) to students and teachers, 300 pesos (annual) to the general public, and 400 pesos (annual) to families. You are allowed to borrow up to five items from the library at a time for two weeks.

[h1]?Weekly activities[/h1]

[b]Conversations with friends:[/b] A space and time to practice English or Spanish in a friendly environment. It takes place every Monday at 7 p.m. and is free to access although donations are accepted.

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[b]Conversations with teachers:[/b] A space and time to practice English or Spanish pertaining to topics related to education and teaching the English language. This is intended for teachers. It takes place every Wednesday at 5 p.m. and is free to access although donations are welcomed.

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[b]Wine tastings:[/b] It takes place on the second Thursday of each month, where a Wine Guide puts on an evening in. Wines are poured to taste, and food is served to accompany it. It is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. It has a price of 500 pesos to the general public and 400 pesos to members of the MEL.

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[b]Lecture series:[/b] From mid-October to mid-April, a series of conferences with varying topics of general interest are offered. This always has a focus on teaching the history and culture of Mérida, Yucatán and Mexico. They are taught by anthropologists, historians, archaeologists, and other experts. Lectures are held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. and are free to access although donations are accepted.

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[b]Storytime Saturdays:[/b] This involves songs, stories, and art activities in English for little ones or the whole family. There is no need to master English or register for this activity because it is free to access, but donations are accepted.

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[b]House and garden tour:[/b] This is a walking tour that shows a wide variety of houses and gardens in the Historic Center of Mérida. The properties that are covered are located a few minutes from the MEL and include houses of various styles, sizes, and construction dates. Some are from the colonial and art deco era; others are modest houses. There are also mansions, colonial ruins, and modern masterpieces that could possibly be under construction or completely renovated. It takes place every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., and the cost is 150 pesos to members and 250 to the general public.

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[b]MEL nights:[/b] These are held on the third Friday of each month. It is a suitable space for registered members of the library along with new members to come together. It is recommended to bring a snack to share, and there are drinks for sale. The event is free of charge, but once again donations are accepted.

[b]Location and attention[/b]

The MEL is located on 524 53rd street, between 66 and 68 of the center of Mérida. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the afternoon on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The phone number is 999-924-8401 and our Facebook is available [a=https://www.facebook.com/meridaenglishlibrary]here[/a].


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