Merida English Library update

One of the biggest projects we tackled this year is also the most obvious: MEL is finally digital! After many months and many volunteers working overtime, we have a complete, working electronic catalogue of all of our books and all of our members.

This was a huge undertaking and we couldn’t have done it without the support of all of you. As we continue to learn the ins and outs of the system we will add features such as email reminders for overdue books and soon-to-expire memberships.

One of our long-term goals as an organization is to strengthen ties with the local community and to diversify our membership base. This past year we implemented several programs and activities to work towards that goal, such as Saturday Storytime. The program started in November 2015 and draws between 20-35 kids and their families every weekend. We read children’s books in English followed by arts and crafts, games, and music. Many of the families have now become members of MEL. And a special thanks goes to our Storytime volunteers and those who have donated. Other wonderful, community-building programs include:

• Conversaciones con Amigos
• Wednesday for Writers
• English Teacher Training co-hosted by MEL and MEXTESOL (Mexican Association of English Teachers)
• One World/Two Languages partnership with UADY
• Artist Studio Tour
• School Tours of the Library

We are also proud of our other ongoing programs organized by many dedicated MEL volunteers this past year:

• Music in the Garden
• House and Garden Tours Tours
• Evening of Merida Magic Wine Tastings,
• MEL Nights
• Ongoing Art Exhibitions
• Saturday Lecture Series

Thank you for making MEL a special place in Merida for foreigners and locals alike. I look forward to the upcoming year, as MEL continues to grow and change to meet the needs of our community. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me at meridaenglishlibrary.acboard@gmail.com.

Have a great summer and see you soon!

Best Regards,
Susanna McKibben
MEL Administrator