Inter-library loans are back at KFL

KENNEBUNK - The inter-library loan is back at Kennebunk Free Library. As of Monday, July 13, you can begin requesting other libraries’ items through the Minerva catalog. Requesting from MaineCat, which includes Portland Public Library and the University of Maine System, will be available around July 20. You can access the catalog through the Kennebunk Free Library website (kennebunklibrary.org) or at https://minerva.maine.edu/

There are a few things to keep in mind:

• Most items in the Minerva catalog will be available to you, but there are a few libraries that are not yet open for curbside. Their items will not be requestable.

• KFL will be quarantining items from other libraries for 72 hours before they go on the hold shelf so your items will be listed as “in transit” a little longer than usual.

• There are a huge number of holds that have been sitting in the system since March. It may take a while for Maine libraries to work together to clear that backlog. KFL appreciates your patience in the first week or two as things back on track. If you have concerns about how long your hold is taking, let KFL staff know and they will be happy to look into it for you.

• 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 log into your account to view checked out items or you can give KFL staff a call and they will check for you.

The Kennebunk Free Library is located at 112 Main St. in Kennebunk, Maine. For more information, call 207-985-2173 or email us at kfl@kennebunk.lib.me.us.