I'd like to make some built-in bookshelves but really am not sure about the local wood types, which is the best for the job and where can I get it. Any suggestions?

Hi
The best wood for the book shelves, actually, the only wood you should use is Spanish cedar, I had unpleasant experiences with bugs myself, and I lost at least half of my books to bugs. Nothing else works better than “cedro”. You will find it in most of lumber yards in Merida.
Adam

Woods are available mostly everywhere but the best wood available to built bookcases are found in tropical region. Normally any type of wood like hardwood, softwood, plywood, composite wood are used for building the cases. Built in bookcases are made out of these types of wood but people prefer sturdy wood material for its aesthetic appeal. Hardwoods are more heavy than softwood. Since books come in different sizes and shapes so it is necessary to decide which case suits to the different types of books.

Again, if you like books and want them to last in Yucatan use only “cedro” for shelves or you will be as disappointed as I was.