is there any way to "latch" the built in  virtual keyboard in the stand alone version of Kontakt to play a note as long as one would like?   

Yes.
Click on the "wrench" symbol of the instrument.
Click on the button on the right side "Script Editor".
Now on the left side of the new screen, click on the "Preset" button --> "Factory" --> "Performance" --> "Midi Latch".
 
Hit a note on the virtual keyboard (or real one) and this key or note will play as long as you don't click it again.
 
Inside the "Scipt Editor" window you'll see a bar for every latched key (click to change velocities).
 
Best,
Klaus

I don't know if you just knew that off the top of your head or if you dug into it to find out, but either way
that was a great answer, Klaus!

bitflipper
I don't know if you just knew that off the top of your head or if you dug into it to find out, but either way
that was a great answer, Klaus!

That's what I thought. You are the man, Klaus.

thanks Klaus, from whatever depths of your mind it emerged from...
 

Glad to help!
(and thanks for the kind words )
 
Best,
Klaus

Yup - I HAVE to agree you dug DEEP for that one - that solution sounded downright medieval.  Latch?  wow! :)
 
Bob Bone