All about Mérida English Library in Mérida (2025 Guide)

The Mérida English Library (MEL) is a great place to find books, puzzles, games, and reference materials in English. It’s nestled in the heart of Mérida’s historic center, just three blocks west of Parque de Santa Lucía.

MEL is a community library and whether you’re a member or just stopping by, you can check out their collection, which keeps growing thanks to donations and new purchases. As of 2025, the Mérida English Library has over 19,000 books and puzzles in its catalog.

Back in 1984, Elizabeth Dunkel had the idea of starting an English-language library. In the beginning, MEL had to relocate several times until it finally settled into its current home, which was generously donated to the institution.

The books are now also available in an online book database through the Mérida English Library's website (see the overview above). There’s even a comprehensive search function, so it’s worth checking it out.

Events

If you're in Mérida and not sure what to do, the Mérida English Library has plenty to offer. They organize all kinds of events, workshops and classes like

• the house and garden tours (see below),

• author readings,

• children's storytime,

• art gallery visits in Santa Ana,

• Taiji - Tai Chi lessons (a traditional Chinese movement art)

• knitting session (see below)

• and even wine tastings.

If you want to brush up on your language skills, MEL also offers Spanish and English lessons.

Knitting Sessions

Knitting isn’t as popular in Mexico as it is in the UK, but you can still find people who enjoy it.  Many Mexicans who knit often make warm shawls, sweaters, and intricate blankets, especially in cooler regions or for traditional celebrations.

Handcrafts like tejido (which includes both knitting and crochet) are more common among older generations and in rural areas. That said, crochet tends to be more popular than traditional knitting with two needles.

At the Mérida English Library, the knitting groups often include expats, especially from the US and Canada. These meetups are a great way to connect with others while working on a shared hobby.

The House and Garden Tour

Especially the house and garden tour from MEL is very popular. The tour has been running since 2004 and the proceeds are used to fund MEL.

Each week MEL plan to visit three or four homes from a variety of eras, styles, sizes, and ages within a 20-minute walk of the library - often old colonial buildings, but also more modern homes.

The tours take place every Wednesday beginning November 9 and continuing through the end of March. Usually there are several groups and they meet in the library, but sometimes also in a neighbourhood park.

The walking tour starts with an informative talk about Mérida's history, architecture, geography & culture. Then small groups, led by guides from MEL, visit the houses in one of Centro's neighbourhoods.

The homeowners give a short introduction to themselves and their home and then you are free to walk around the house and see the rooms and garden areas.

There will be about 15 minutes stay in each house. It is an excellent opportunity to see some beautiful homes in the centre of Mérida. Space is limited, registration is required and there is a fee for the tour. Please check the website for up-to-date information.

A few Tips for the House and Garden Tour

As it is a walking tour, comfortable shoes are recommended and it is of course always good to have something to drink with you at such events. Of course, the house owners often offer something to drink, but this is not a matter of course.