Staff Writer

No food and drink allowed in the library? Please.

The once-taboo idea is now taking over the reference room at Kennebunk Free Library, which on June 17 debuts its transformation to a community café. 

The Reference Room Café, which will be managed by local catering company Silver Tureen, has been in the works since 2006, library director Stephanie Limmer said. 

The café was part of the library’s long-range plan and is modeled after similar cafés in bookstores, such as Borders or Barnes & Noble, Limmer said.

Major public libraries in Boston and New York already have library cafés in place, and Limmer said Portland Public Library is planning to add a café as part of its current renovations. 

“Libraries are looking to become more integrated with the community,” Limmer said. “And realizing it wasn’t a bad idea to have food and books together. Before it used to be a big ‘no-no.’”

The original librarian’s desk will be refurbished as the snack counter.  A counter along the window will have stools and four leather club chairs and six bistro tables will offer additional seating.

Limmer said a children’s area will be set up with games and toys for entertainment while parents grab a cup of coffee or a quick snack.

A wireless Internet signal will also reach outside to tables in the patio area by the entrance to the library, she said. 

The café has taken three years to plan because the board of trustees wanted to develop “the best way to roll this out,” Limmer said.

She said Kennebunk Free Library’s Board of Trustees President Catherine Lindgren was behind the idea from the beginning and now is seeing it all come together.

Lindgren said after “floating the idea by stakeholders,” and receiving suggestions from community members, she was finally able to make the café a project priority.

“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s totally worth it,” Lindgren said. 

With volunteer effort, the board researched how cafés have worked in other libraries and what was needed to start The Reference Room Café, she said, including following the town’s permitting process and applying for the appropriate licenses.  

“We’ve received a lot of support from town hall,” Limmer said.

Lindgren said the library has also received support from private donors, raising more than $6,000 to cover the estimated $7,000 cost to set up and furnish the café. 

She said the board of directors decided to purchase furnishings to complement the style of the rest of the library that will remain library property, despite the future of the café. 

“The library is always looking to expand services and adjust to the community. We hope to serve the existing members and attract new people. It’s something to bring them in and see what we have to offer,” Lindgren said. 

Silver Tureen will donate 10 percent of café sales to Kennebunk Free Library. 

“We also are hoping it becomes a revenue generator,” Lindgren said.

Opening day is scheduled Wednesday, June 17, with a grand opening Saturday, June 20 and will have the same hours as the library, closing 30 minutes prior to the library closing.

It will offer a variety of beverages, pastries, cookies, wraps, soups and salads and additional snacks. 

Staff writer Emma Bouthillette can be reached at 282-4337 ext. 237.