KENNEBUNK FREE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Kennebunk Free Library (KFL) has its roots in the 1801 Wells Social Library, when Kennebunk was still a part of Wells. By 1881, Kennebunk was no longer part of Wells, and a reading room in Cobby’s store had been created by Rev. Worth and the Ladies Sewing Circle. In 1888, the library had moved to Walker Hall and housed a little over 2000 books, but it wasn’t until 1898 the library was sufficiently funded to be truly free to patrons.

In 1907 the library moved to its current location, and expanded in 1994. Since then KFL has added free WiFi in the library, e-books, statewide Minerva access, and added puzzles, games, ukuleles, knitting supplies and a telescope to the circulation. Other services, often partnering with other local organizations, include: technology use, hundreds of programs per year, museum and notary access.

Based on what the community told us the following are the strategic priorities:

 Strong Partnerships and Relationships - Increase outreach to engage community members of all ages

 Organizational Stability - KFL is funded at a level that reflects the needs of its communities

 Professional, Engaged Staff - Attract, develop and retain highly skilled, passionate staff

 Expansion - KFL's space is reconfigured and plans for expansion completed to accommodate the future needs of its users

 Community Success - Expand the library's resources, collections, and services to meet the community's evolving needs