The perfect partnership of service and entrepreneurship in San Miguel de Allende

PurposeExamines the unique funding and service model of a successful community‐centered library.Design/methodology/approachIntroduces the history and demographics of San Miguel de Allende, a city in Mexico with a large English speaking population, and outlines how the library maintains its role as community centre.FindingsThe San Miguel de Allende library thrives through careful attention to the demographics of the community, an innovative and aggressive approach to funding issues, and an awareness of the need for change. The library collection is the largest bilingual privately funded, publicly accessible library in Mexico. This, along with an extensive scholarship and outreach program to students in both rural and urban areas, is funded by a diverse array of revenue generating efforts including a weekly newspaper, weekly sale of books and household items, a café and gift shop.Originality/valueThe San Miguel de Allende Library models how creativity, strong community responsive and lack of fear of change can build and sustain libraries.