We may be closed to the public, but KFL staff is still here to help! We'll be using this tab to post updates, information, and links to online resources.

Expanded Curbside Hours!

The Kennebunk Free Library is expanding curbside pick up hours! As of July 27, curbside services will be available six days a week: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday, items can be picked up between 1:00 and 4:45. On Wednesday, pick-up hours are 4:00 – 7:45. 

With the expanded hours, you can call us any time with questions or requests. Just call the library number and follow the prompts. Please bear in mind that we will be working with reduced staffing. If your call is not answered immediately, leave a message and we will get back to you. You can also reach us through email at kfl@kennebunk.lib.me.us. For pick-up during curbside hours, please call the dedicated phone line posted in the parking lot. 

Requesting is now available through both Minerva and MaineCat, making it possible to borrow books from most libraries in Maine. Libraries have been asked to quarantine books upon arrival so interlibrary loan requests may take slightly longer than usual.

Also returning this week are notification emails and text messages. You no longer need to wait for a call from the library to learn that your items are ready. If you receive an email, you can pick up your order during any subsequent curbside window. (Items will be held for one week.) We will continue to call those who asked for phone calls instead of emails when setting up their accounts. 

The drive-through book drop is now open 24/7 for returns. To avoid confusion about which items are available to pick up, we will be quarantining items from the book drop for three days before we check them in. If you have returned something and it is still showing up on your account, it may still be in quarantine. If it goes beyond three days, let us know. Don’t worry if the time in quarantine makes the system think that your books are overdue – we will waive any fees that accidentally accrue.

We will process orders on a first-come, first-served basis. Pick-ups will be in the outdoor amphitheater behind the library. Please call the posted curbside phone line when you arrive and wait at the top of the ramp until the patron ahead of you has left. If you do not have a cell phone, call before you leave home with an expected arrival time. There will be plenty of signage in the parking lot to point you in the right direction. There will be some changes from our old procedures so we ask that you bear a few things in mind:

  • We will work as quickly as we can, but it might be a few days wait between your request and your pick-up date. 
  • We encourage you to order extra items, just in case the one that you want is not available.
  • Printing services will be available for curbside pickup if you email your document in advance, to kflcirc@kennebunk.lib.me.us.
  • If you would like a Clynk bag or BookPage included in your order, let us know.
  • Items owned by KFL will continue to be checked out for four weeks, but items that you borrow from other libraries will check out for three weeks, so items checked out at the same time may have different due dates. If you have questions about due dates, you can check your account online or give us a call and we can check for you.
  • We will continue to waive fines. 
  • We are accepting returns only through the book drop. Please do not leave them on the pick-up table. Because of this, we are unable to loan out ukuleles, games, or other items that are too large for the book drop. 
  • We are not accepting book donations at this time. 
  • We will be doing our best to make sure that the items you take are safe. We are quarantining returned items and will be cleaning surfaces and hands frequently. However, we will have to handle the items that we pull and package for you. If you have concerns, we encourage you to quarantine them in your home.  
  • Staff will be masked for your safety. We ask that you also wear a face covering and follow physical distancing guidelines when picking up your items. 
If you are unable to make it to the library, give us a call to discuss options.

We appreciate your patience as we take this next step. Please give us a call or email us with any questions or concerns.

How to Browse the Library from Home


We know how hard it can be to choose something to read when you can't phyiscally pick up a book and read the cover. We have a variety of tools available to help you out. Here are step-by-step instructions for using those tools to find your next great read!

Library News and Updates

We miss seeing you in person, but we're still here! While we're closed, we are trying to maintain as many services as possible. Here's some of what we're working on:
  • We're still around to talk to you. Every staff member is working from home and available to answer e-mails. We are also checking the library voicemail daily. Leave us a message and we will call you back.
  • Friends of KFL have provided funds to add additional books to Overdrive, the digital library available to KFL patrons. Instructions are available here. As always, if you have any trouble, let us know and we will walk you through it.
  • The Maine State Library is redirecting $40,000 to add more books to CloudLibrary. Instructions are available here. FAQs are here. Let us know if you need help.
  • If you need a new library card to access online resources and are a Kennebunk, Arundel, Kennebunkport, or Wells resident, call or e-mail us and we can get an account set up for you. We can also renew your existing cards. 
  • Our wi-fi is on and accessible from our lawn and our parking lot - you can access the internet without leaving your vehicle.
  • Even though we can't meet in person, we are working on ways to offer more of our programming online. Check our rotating display and our newsletter for updates.
  • Ancestry.com is currently FREE for Maine Residents to use at home (though it must still be accessed through the Digital Maine Library).

Digital Books, Audiobooks, Library Programs & More

  1. CloudLibrary ebooks and audiobooks through the Maine State Library (free with a KFL library card). Here’s a Video Tutorial on how to use CloudLibrary (courtesy of Rockport Public Library).
  2. OverDrive ebooks and audiobooks through KFL (free with a KFL library card).  Instructions are available here.
  3. Portland Public Library is offering temporary eResource library cards. To sign up, e-mail them at lending@portlib.org.
  4. Project Gutenberg thousands of public domain e-books
  5. LibriVox Audiobooks volunteers reading public domain books; includes selections in multiple languages
  6. Audible free audiobooks “for as long as schools are closed”, including many books for children
  7. Free TV/movie streaming Crackle or Tubi 
  8. Digital Maine Library full text articles and abstracts from magazines, newspapers, journals and reference.  Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to read newspapers using the Digital Maine Library.
  9. Maine Library Virtual Events Calendar a great resource of virtual programs you can attend, run by libraries all over Maine. If you are looking specifically for the calendar of Kennebunk Free Library programs, click here.
  10. Tumblebooks access to children’s e-books; username "Tumble735" and password "books"

Local Food & Fun

  1. Operation Takeout local businesses currently offering takeout/delivery; updated daily by the Chamber of Commerce
  2. Maine Farm and Seafood Products Directory local food producers who are offering socially distanced ways to obtain their food (curated by Cooperative Extension)
  3. Saco Drive-in, 969 Portland Road, Saco, 207-284-1016
  4. Shaw’s Ridge Farm Ice Cream and minigolf course, 59 Shaw’s Ridge Road, (Route 224), Sanford (207) 324-2510
  5. Raptor Falls Mini Golf & Ice Cream, 1912 Portland Rd, Arundel (207) 467-3131

Get Outdoors

  1. Kennebunk Land Trust was founded to preserve and protect significant natural spaces in Kennebunk. Here are a few places to visit right in our backyard. The Land Trust has a Bicen”trail”ial Challenge going on through September 22.   
  2. The Eastern Trail stretches from Kittery to South Portland, including many off-road trails great for biking or walking.
  3. Hope Woods has many trails great for walking, running, birdwatching, and more.
  4. FAQ about Maine State Parks and Historic Sites (Maine Veterans are eligible for free Maine State Park Passes.)
  5. East Point Audubon Sanctuary at Biddeford Pool (includes downloadable trail guide) Lester B. Orcutt Boulevard, Biddeford Pool
  6. Capisic Pond Park / Capisic Brook Trail Capisic St & Macy St., Portland
  7. Timber Point Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge at Granite Point, Biddeford
  8. Maine Trail Finder
  9. 11 Beautiful Public Gardens in Maine

Fun Online Resources for Children

  1. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood watch full-length Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood programs
  2. Storyline Online videos of actors reading picture books accompanied by animated illustrations
  3. Sesame Street: Caring for Each Other Initiative to help parents and children during the coronavirus pandemic
  4. Reading tips for helping beginning readers
  5. Learn the ABCs of Wildlife with the National Park Foundation
  6. 30 Modern, Middle School Classics
  7. Mindfulness and Relaxation Apps for kids with anxiety.
  8. Librarian-recommended apps and games 2020 picks for Notable Children's Digital Media

Fun Online Resources for Adults

  1. Online game options to play with people
  2. Video Chat software 10 free Zoom alternative apps for video chats
  3. Brick Store Museum’s Online Digital Learning Center offers resources that allow you to discover local history, arts, and culture from the comfort of your home.
  4. Tour famous museums
  5. 94 Fun Things You Can Do at Home, Anytime
  6. Visit US National Parks virtually
  7. 27 Virtual Field Trips around the globe and beyond
  8. National Park Service In Your Home park activities you can do from the comfort of your home with your family

Free Online Education

  1. Open Culture free online courses from top universities around the world
  2. Skillshare Free Online Classes thousands of free classes taught by the practitioners in design, business, photography and more
  3. No-cost, short-term training in currently-needed fields is being offered by Maine’s Community Colleges
  4. For high school students tuition-free early college summer courses available at UMaine and UMM

Diverse Books & Anti-Racism Resources

  1. An anti-racism reading list by author Ibram X. Kendi
  2. The National Museum of African American History and Culture released a “Talking About Race” web portal to help people explore issues of race, racism and racial identity.
  3. Tips from experts on how to talk about race with children
  4. 8 tips for choosing “good” picture books featuring diverse, BIPOC characters
  5. Where to find diverse books, curated by the nonprofit We Need Diverse Books
  6. Anti-racist resources for children, families, and educators, curated by The Brown Bookshelf
  7. For readers of YA: 45 Black Young Adult Novels to add to your TBR pile
  8. Sesame Street Workshop on Talking Race With Young Children
  9. Beautiful Blackbird Children's Summer Virtual Book Festival Brought to you by Indigo Arts Alliance, this site offers activities, dance, and links to a collection of children's books by Black authors and artists.

COVID-19 Updates & Health Information

  1. Ask A Scientist/Federation of American Scientists ask a scientist about COVID-19 concerns
  2. CDC (Maine), including general information on COVID-19, livestreamed press briefings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm, case count data, and more.
  3. CDC (U.S.) including the CDC's instructions on how to make both sewn and no-sew face masks
  4. National Library of Medicine
  5. Center for Social Isolation Remedies CSIR’s mission is to connect with the socially isolated and help bring them into the community.
  6. Tips from a child psychologist on how to help kids with pandemic stress
  7. Coronavirus Sanity Guide meditations, podcasts, blog posts for coping with stress, fear, and anxiety regarding the Coronavirus Outbreak
  8. Guide to avoiding misinformation during the pandemic (and beyond!)
  9. Town of Kennebunk COVID-19/Coronavirus Information
  10. Find a COVID-19 test center by zip code

Local Assistance & Financial Help

  1. To Get Help The towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel are partnering with Community Outreach Services (COS), a local non-profit, to assist our community.
  2. Mobile Meals Kitchen Free Lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-1 pm, in Sanford
  3. Free Summer Lunch Program for students COS of the Kennebunks is working with the RSU and the 3 Town Social Services offices to provide a FREE Summer Lunch Program this summer.

State & Federal Financial Help

  1. Unemployment Information, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
  2. Federal Housing and Finance Agency is providing mortgage help for homeowners impacted by the coronavirus
  3. Maine Rental Relief Program for renters who cannot afford to pay their rent due to circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic
  4. COVID-19 Relief Loan programs from the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME); available to eligible Maine businesses and individuals/employees who experience hardships due to COVID-19
  5. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guide to coronavirus mortgage relief options
  6. IRS Economic Impact Payments information
  7. New (June 2020) IRS Employee Retention Credit available for many businesses financially impacted by COVID-19
  8. Personal Finance and Consumer Protection Guide steps for quicker financial relief

Domestic Violence Resources

  1. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  2. Maine Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-866-834-HELP (4357)
  3. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) Website During COVID-19  national resources and information on domestic violence 
  4. The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence resources and information on domestic violence in the state of Maine 
  5. Caring Unlimited (York County) support and safety planning resources within York County  
  6. Maine Emergency Shelters Information on locations and contacts for shelters in Maine 
  7. State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services Hotlines
  8. WomensLaw.org provides information on different forms of abuse and legal information for domestic abuse victims