English Language Libraries in Mexico

Just because your conversational Spanish is great doesn't mean you're up to tackling novels. Here's where to check out English books around the country (all costs in pesos).

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Biblioteca Publica de San Miguel de Allende
date opened: 1954
collection: 30,000 volumes in English, 30,000 volumes in Spanish, DVDs, audio books, and music.
librarian: Juan Manuel
hours: M-F 10am-7pm; Saturdays 10am-2pm.
services: Painting classes, reading groups, scholarship programs, cafeteria, gift shop, computers. The library also publishes the bilingual newspaper Atención San Miguel.

library card requirements: Proof of residency. $50 for general public, $25 for students, for twelve-month membership.
address : Insurgentes 25
phone: (415) 152 0293
email: juanmanuel@bibliotecasma.com
website: www.bibliotecasma.com

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Biblioteca los Mangos
date opened: 1997
collection: 25,000 volumes, Internet access, periodicals, expositions, and videos.
librarians: various
hours: M-F 9am-9pm; Sat 10am-6pm.
services: Reading club, kids' room, children's reading club, cine club, "Tale-Time", workshops.
library card requirements: proof of residence, official ID, 2 photos.
address : Francisco Villa 1001
phone: (322) 224 9966
email: bibliotecamangos@yahoo.com.mx
website: www.infopv.com

Chapala /Ajijic , Jalisco
The Lake Chapala Society Library
date opened: 1955
collection: 25,000 volumes, reference books, magazines, books on tape, and video library.
librarians: Ann Heath
hours: M-F 10am-2pm; Sat 10am-1pm.
services: Book sales, magazine reading room, workshops.
library card requirements: you must be a member of the Lake Chapala Society: $400 annually per person, $600 for two-person family, $800 for three-person family, $1000 for four-person family.
address : 16 de Septiembre 16-A
phone: (376) 766 1140 (general number for LCS)
email: library@lakechapalasociety.org
website: www.lakechapalasociety.org

Oaxaca , Oaxaca
Oaxaca Lending Library
date opened: 1966
collection: 30,000 volumes (including Spanish titles), periodicals (English and
Spanish), DVDs, audio books, Wi-Fi, and computers for member use.
librarians: David Myler (Administrator/Manager)
hours: M-F 10am-2 pm and 4pm-7pm; Saturday 10am-1pm.
services: Workshops, English classes, children's programs, youth programs, "libros para pueblos" group.
library card requirements: 12-month membership is $300, allows borrowing up to six books for two weeks. Discounts for students and children.
address : Pino Suárez 519
phone: (915) 518 7077
email: library@oaxlibrary.com
website: www.oaxlibrary.com

Cuernavaca , Morelos
St. Michael's Library
date opened:1963
collection: Books in English, music, movies, and magazines.
librarians: Jane Jackter
hours: M-F 10am-12:30pm; Fridays 4pm-6pm; Saturdays 10:30pm-1pm.
services: Newcomers Club meetings, workshops.
library card requirements: $80 for six months.
address : Minerva 1
phone: (777) 316 7049

Mexico City, DF
Anglo-Mexican Library
date opened: 1943
collection: 20,000 volumes, Internet access, CD-ROMs, and videos.
librarians: Alfredo Alejandro Fonseca
hours: M-F 8:30am-7:30pm; Saturdays 10am-4pm.
services: occasional reading groups.
library card requirements: For students and members of the Anglo-Mexican
foundation: two infant-size photographs and receipt from your course. For the general
public: two infant-size photographs, proof of residence, official ID, and $100 for annual membership.
address :Antonio Caso 127, Colonia San Rafael
phone: (55) 3067 8817/ 3000 1826/ 5566 4500 ext.25
email: biblioteca@tamf.org.mx
website: www.theanglo.org.mx/biblioteca.php

Benjamin Franklin Library
date opened: 1943
collection: 25,000 volumes, DVD, Internet access, databases, and videos.
librarians: Benjamin Medino
hours: M-F 11am-7pm.
services: consultations online.
library card requirements: An official ID and you must be over 18 years of age. You also need a photocopy of the ID of an aval -a relative, co-worker, friend, etc who lives in Mexico and can serve as your reference.
address :Liverpool 31, Colonia Júarez
phone: (55) 5080 2089
email: outreachbbf@state.gov
website: www.usembassy-mexico.gov/bbf/biblioteca.htm

Mérida , Yucatán
Merida English Language Library
date opened: 1994
collection: 17,000 volumes, periodicals, and magazines.
librarians: Elizabeth Dunkel (founder), Colleen Leonard, Marilyn Estes Smith, Paulie Williams.
hours: M-F 9am-1pm. Mondays 6:30pm-9pm; Thursday 4pm-7pm; Saturday 10am-1pm.
services: AA Meetings, children's storyhour, house and garden tours, "Conversations
with Friends".
library card requirements: $200 per individual, $300 per family, $75 per Yucatan student, for twelve-month membership.
address : Calle 53 # 524
phone: (999) 924 8401
email: meridaenglishlibrary@hotmail.com
website: www.meridaenglishlibrary.com