The English Library Tenerife

20/10/2026

18/10/2026

A PLEA FROM THE PRESIDENT

Is there anyone here who's good with a needle and thread. I have a rucksack that needs two zips replacing. I tried the lady with the little shop in Orotava but she just said it would be quicker to get a new rucksack. Please let me know if you can help, or if you know anyone who may be able to mend it. I'll obviously pay for materials.
Here's hoping!
Chris

14/10/2026

THE LITERARY GROUP will be starting up again this Friday 16th October with an open session. €1,50 including coffee & biscuits.

11/10/2026

A big thank you to all those members and friends who attended our annual Pig Roast yesterday. It was a huge success, and the compliments have been flooding in! The pork was particularly enjoyed, and that, plus Canarian potatoes and a variety of lovely salads were all washed down with plenty of w**e. After Friday's murky weather, and the threat of major thunderstorms traveling down the coast of Morocco that evening we were a tad worried. But the storms turned in land overnight and the day was hot and sunny.
As always a special thanks to Dawn and her catering team who had to work extra hard for this event as they were two down. Gold stars to everyone.
Our next event is on Thursday 19 November: the first of our Autumn/Winter season of talks. We kick off with President Chris trying to unravel the historical and scientific proof behind the Old Testament story of the Exodus. He has assured us that this will not in any way be a theological discussion - just a presentation of the evidence to prove or disprove the written word.
Please do try and attend. The cutoff date for bookings is 12:30 on Saturday 5 November. No bookings will be accepted after that.

06/10/2026

Puerto de la Cruz and its British history: are we forgetting it?

Did you know that Puerto de la Cruz was one of the first tourist destinations in the Canary Islands, and that the British community played an important role in its beginnings?

From the early 19th century, many British visitors began coming to Puerto de la Cruz because of its climate, particularly during the winter months. Some came for their health, looking for the mild climate of Tenerife.

Little by little, Puerto de la Cruz became known internationally.

🏨 In 1814, one of the first guesthouses for foreign visitors opened here.

🏛️ In 1890, the Gran Hotel Taoro opened its doors, helping to establish Puerto de la Cruz as an international destination for European visitors.

⛪ All Saints’ Church was created for the British and English-speaking community who lived here or spent long periods in Puerto de la Cruz.

📚 The English Library, founded in 1896, is still an important part of the cultural life of Puerto de la Cruz today.

📖 Even Agatha Christie visited Puerto de la Cruz in 1927 and found inspiration here for her writing.

During those years, Puerto de la Cruz was already welcoming visitors from many different countries and developing the international character that is still part of our town today.

And this history does not belong only to the British. It is part of the history of Puerto de la Cruz.

For generations, the foreign community has contributed to the economic, cultural and social life of our town. Many foreigners have lived here for decades, worked here, created businesses, taken part in local organisations and become part of the community.

That is why I believe we should remember and value this part of our history much more.

This is not about giving one community more importance than another. It is about recognising the contribution of everyone who has helped make Puerto de la Cruz the international town we know today.

❤️ Our history belongs to all of us. It deserves to be cared for, remembered and passed on to future generations.

06/10/2026

📅 ¡EMPEZAMOS EL SÁBADO 7 DE NOVIEMBRE!

Nuestro nuevo grupo de conversación en inglés comienza el sábado 7 de noviembre en The English Library, Puerto de la Cruz.

🕦 De 11:30 a 12:30
📍 Calle Irlanda 5, Puerto de la Cruz
☕ 1,50 €, café y galletas incluidos.

Nos reuniremos los sábados alternos. Un espacio informal y acogedor para practicar inglés, ganar confianza y conocer gente.

¡Anímate a participar y comparte la noticia!

📅 WE START ON SATURDAY, 7 NOVEMBER!

Our new English Conversation Group begins on Saturday, 7 November, at The English Library in Puerto de la Cruz.

🕦 11:30–12:30
📍 Calle Irlanda 5, Puerto de la Cruz
☕ €1.50, including coffee and biscuits.

We'll meet on alternate Saturdays. A relaxed, friendly opportunity to practise English, build confidence and meet new people.

Come along and join us — and please spread the word!