MV Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating bookstore, will conclude a Mexico itinerary in Progreso from Wednesday, July 11 to Monday, July 23.
The huge ship carries more than 5,000 titles at “affordable prices.”
“It will be a wonderful story, because everyone visiting our ship will have an opportunity to share their customs and culture with the crew, made up of volunteers from over 60 countries,” spokesman Pavel Martinez told reporters on Monday.
The ship kicked off its Latin American tour in Cartagena, Colombia, on Jan. 30.
The 132-meter/433-foot vessel will begin its Mexican tour in Veracruz, and then visit Tampico from June 5 to June 26 and Coatzacoalcos from June 27 to July 9. The official schedule is changeable, however, with some media reports saying the ship won’t arrive in Progreso until July 19.
“We offer something different in every port,” Martinez said, noting that visitors will be able to enjoy world literature, cultural events, lectures, concerts, plays and workshops.
Admission for children and seniors is free in every port, he said, adding that for everyone else the “price will be affordable.”
Logos Hope has sailed across Asia, Africa and Europe, boasting more than 46 million visitors.
Next up, the ship plans to visit Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
MV Logos Hope is operated by the German Christian charitable organization Good Books for All and began its journey around the world in 2009.
The 132-meter-long Logos Hope was built in 1973 and originally served as a ferry. It began as a bookstore in 2009 after five years of renovation.
Its selection of books are educational and religious in nature, and are sold at economical prices.
Along with being a book library and store, the Logos Hope organization also contributes by helping to build houses and donating essential provisions to the many under-privileged countries where it makes a port of call.
Update: The port administration has its work cut out for it, arranging for transportation and negotiation with Customs to get customers to and from the boat docked on Progreso’s long, long pier. They are already working out details, Punto Medio reports, and will announce a schedule of shuttle buses ahead of the Logos Hope’s arrival.
Sources: Press release, Diario de Yucatán, company information
